Japanese Nationalism: an Obstacle to Better Relations with Russia?

... discussed in this interview with RIAC member Alexander N. Panov , Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia. The 24th Olympic Games opened in Sochi last Friday, and were also the reason given by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for his visit to Russia.... ... day, 7 February, is known in Japan as Northern Territories Day, referring to Japan’s dispute with Russia over the South Kuril Islands. How would you comment on this rather unusual step by Prime Minister Abe? What reaction might it cause in Japan ...