Japan’s own scars offer wisdom for Russia-Ukraine ceasefire
Tokyo has taken a firm stance on Russia, drawing its ire. But this former Japanese official thinks it can play a role in brokering peace.
Kazuhiko Togo, (Ph.D. 2009, Leiden University) is Visiting Professor, Global Center for Asian and Regional Research, University of Shizuoka, and Advisor for External Relations for the Shizuoka Prefecture. He graduated Tokyo University in 1968 and since then served in the Japanese Foreign Ministry until 2002. Half of his career was devoted to Russia. After retirement he moved to academia, first taught in foreign universities, including Princeton (2004~05), UCLA Santa-Barbara (spring 07) and Seoul National University GSIS (autumn 07). From 2010 to 2020, he became Professor and Director of Institute for World Affairs, Kyoto Sangyo University. His research interests include: (1) International politics and Japanese foreign-security policy in East Asia, (2) Territorial problems and historical memory in North-East Asia and (3) Identity and civilizational dialogue. His publication includes “The Inside Story of the Negotiations on the Northern Territory” (2007, in Japanese); “Japan’s Foreign Policy 1945-2009”(2010, in English); “Japan and Russia: Comparative Analysis of Historical Identity” (2016, co-edited with Alexander Panov, in Japanese and in Russian). For other books and articles refer to http://kazuhiko-togo.com
Tokyo has taken a firm stance on Russia, drawing its ire. But this former Japanese official thinks it can play a role in brokering peace.
Tokyo has a strong interest in preventing military conflict over Ukraine and a role to play in the diplomatic maneuvering.