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Japan says 2 Russian fighters breached its airspace

59 Comments
By Hiroshi Hiyama

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With respect to what Abe said (this article) and Putin agreed (this article), I do not trust Japan's Defense Ministry. I would rather believe that it is Japan's military, which is setting up Abe than that it is Russian military, which is setting up Putin. Unless the fact of breach is supported by the US satellite data, I call it a lie to influence Japanese politics, and for internal Japanese use.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

The planes were detected off Hokkaido for just over a minute

This surely was arranged by Abe during his chats with Putin. This is being used to make Abe look like a strong assertive leader and also helps with his agenda to change the constitution.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

This is just a bad joke the Russians. Everyone knows that Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, Habomai islands belong to the People of Japan. Such islands are part of Hokkaido and Japan has entitled and autonomy over them.

-13 ( +4 / -17 )

Ay yay yay... One island dispute at a time, ok!

9 ( +11 / -2 )

One island, Two island ,Three island, "War"...

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Oh, the games we play... Who will be next to rattle Japan's cage, and who will be next in line for Japan's "strict diplomacy"?

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

The Russians are no strangers to airspace violations. They often have violated US airspace in the past.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

I would take this as an reply to Abe's statement, NO! Suppose Putin gets more support from being hostile instead of being nice. Your reply to the PM's peace initiative has been noted. Think trade sanctions need to be made against Russia. The violation of Japanese airspace was not a mistake.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

Russia usually does not deny critical space violations. In the case of Finland some time ago, they said "sorry". There was shitstorm, anyway, of course.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Russians breach airspace in my country and nearby all the time, don't trust them for a second. For some reason they just don't want to get along with others.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Konsta am sure they entered Japanese airspace.a minute equals 10 nm. You do know this was close to where they shot down the civilian airliner killing 269 people? Even if they did not intend to enter, why were they so close to Japanese airspace? Looks like they were making practice to attack Japan.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Seen the map of the planes' path on the Tele? Breached for just a minute at the speed of a jet fighter, it sounds more like an unintended mistake blown out of proportion.

But then the Ruskies certainly won't hesitate to shoot something down; remember what the Soviets did to Korean Airlines 007 when it crossed Soviet airspace briefly.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Yuri, I don't know. The incident looks convenient. I would wait for independent confirmation.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Russia show that they not only administrating disputed islands but actually holding them with both fists and are not willing to let them go , not at least for now and not for peace treaty .

1 ( +2 / -1 )

tokyo-starFeb. 08, 2013 - 08:45AM JST... But then the Ruskies certainly won't hesitate to shoot something down; remember what the Soviets did to Korean Airlines 007 when it crossed Soviet airspace briefly.

Any country should shoot a military plane, which breaches its borders without any warning or a distress call, if it can.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Konsta> But, as Yuri said, KAL007 was a civilian flight. Trigger happy Ruskies...

25spot> I don't recall Japan harassing the northern islands any time recently in the same way as China has been messing with the Senkakus.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Since Abe become a PM, Air and Sea are getting hotter. Temperature is rising.

It is not the fault of Abe. It is just a global warming problem.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I'm with Konsta on this one. If they truly violated Japanese airspace (and not the Kuriles) let's hear it backed up by US satellite information. This could very well indeed just be intentional misinterpretation over Abe's pledge -- he made a pledge he can never keep. By making it seem like the Russians are suddenly, for the first time in 5 years, going into Japanese airspace for no reason, Abe can suddenly back out of his promise and save face.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

All these "dangerous" threats on Japan, just at the time Abe wants to change the laws on defense.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Konsta am sure they entered Japanese airspace.a minute equals 10 nm

Yuri, actually that would be about 5nm, 30 seconds in 30 seconds out.

The timing of this is improbable to say the least, I wonder what is next for the Abe administration? Maybe an alien sighting or two in Tokyo?

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Everyone picking on Japan. Time to hoist the Hinomaru, sing Kimigayo and face these bullies down. Or could this just be a ploy to make Abe look strong? Bit of a coincidence that both island disputes are hot at once? Only need Kankoku to get involved now.....

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Soviet forces seized the isles, which stretch out into rich fishing waters off the northern coast of Hokkaido, in the dying days of WWII and drove out Japanese residents.

What idiot let this through? The islands in question were invaded AFTER Japan had already surrendered.

“Flights by the air force of the Pacific Fleet take place regularly in this region, in strict adherence to the international rules, without violation of state borders,” it said.

Biggest load of bull I've seen. Russia fully knows they are still in a technical state of war with Japan, and that regulations on aircraft are non-existent because of that.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

smithinjapanFeb. 08, 2013 - 09:15AM JST

I'm with Konsta on this one. If they truly violated Japanese airspace (and not the Kuriles) let's hear it backed up by US satellite information.

I'm afraid you watch too much TV. No such thing exists, but I can bet you that the Japanese radar stations have all the data they need.

By making it seem like the Russians are suddenly, for the first time in 5 years, going into Japanese airspace for no reason, Abe can suddenly back out of his promise and save face.

They have plenty of reason, it's called leverage. When you go into negotiations with the threat of completely crushing your opponent if you don't get your way, you tend to get more than if you actually peacefully talked. Putin was never one for soft tactics, just look at how many civilians he's ordered the death of in his reign.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

This is just a bad joke the Russians. Everyone knows that Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, Habomai islands belong to the People of Japan. Such islands are part of Hokkaido and Japan has entitled and autonomy over them.

says it all....again, no real issue for any reasonable person to accept disagreement about. Russia is doing a bit of what China is doing, rattling the wall..... nothing to see here really but thanks for the good coverage.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

I feel like JapanToday article writers use the words "scramble" way too often. I know this is kind of irrelevant, but every single article I see that has to do with violated air/sea territory, "Japan scrambles its jets, or its own warships". lol

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Spencer Roger LopezFeb. 08, 2013 - 11:58AM JST

I feel like JapanToday article writers use the words "scramble" way too often. I know this is kind of irrelevant, but every single article I see that has to do with violated air/sea territory

It's jargon, so perfectly acceptable from a word use stance. Kind of like saying "monetary policy" when talking about yen inflation, it's annoying but perfectly valid.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Well, I think that US military planes mach more often intrude in Japan’s air space. Sometime they even fall on the houses and citizens. As well as JSDF ships and planes often intrudes to the air and sea space of Korea in vicinity of Dokdo islets. Putin send a clear message, the islands would never been returned

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Soviet troops liberated Asian peoles (Koreans and Chinese) from Japans, put the end to the sex slavery and returned their lands, which belonged Russia Empire since 18-th centure. And, by the way, be advised, that after WWII the northern Hokkaido could became zone of Soviet occupation. But they had stopped on the small islands

0 ( +1 / -1 )

We should send our fighter jets and fire luminous rounds at the Russian jets. We need to treat all invasion equally like those Chinese planes.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

yuryong like the free Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea? Like the Free the free Peoples Republic of China which is killing members of an exercise group. Anything Russia liberated, would of been surrendered by Japan anyway. About Hokkaido, the Russians would of had to hit the home islands. Something which made the Americans very afraid. They killed 300,000 Japanese civilians to avoid invasion.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Oh yuryong if Russia will not hand over two of the islands there will NEVER be a peace treaty signed. I think if they want to be at war we should treat them as such. No trade, no Russians in our waters or overflights. Let them swim in their oil. Next time their Empire fails we will enjoy watching them starve. Let the Peoples Republic take over Siberia.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

The Russians took a large number of the Balkan states and half of Germany after WWII and would have taken more of Japan if McArthur had not beat them to it. The Russians have not changed their aspirations, motives or methods in generations. To think otherwise would be to repeat history.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The Northern Islands belong to Japan. What do you say when a thief move into your house and settled as if it is his house? . After many years later, he starts telling you the house was always his?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

This is standard operating procedure for Russia. They run over European boarders weekly. NATO spends a considerable about of time and money playing a game of "I'm not touching you..." It's the same thing in Asia. Russia at least has the good sense not to start a war, whereas the North Koreans are liable to actually open fire on people.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I think Japan is getting played here. One country does a little border breaching and another country follows, just to see how much restraint Japan can show. With seemingly increasing nationalism in Japan and a bunch of old-fashioned minority complex filled oyaji in charge, it won't be long until Japan reacts. That's when things will start to happen. I guess the US is waiting nervously for when they will have to step in and defend Japan...

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

The Russians smell blood in the water. This was definitely a deliberate move. There is no way that their routine flight path would fly this close to Japan's airspace.

What Japan should worry the most is that there could be something going on behind the scene with China and Russia. It almost seems like for every escalation between Japan and China. Russia does something to raise the stakes. And they don't do that to the China but to Japan. Something smells fishy to me. It almost feels like Russia knows what China is up to and they are coordinating with them.

I think Russia sees what they can gain out of a conflict between Japan and China. At the very least, China would need to import more advance weapons from Russia. And that plays right into what Russia wants. Its just a crazy theory. Hope its nothing much.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

YuriOtani, i think you are not well informed. Even without signing peace treaty Russia and Japan maintain a good politic and trade relation. Try to shift your mind from narrow point of vew to a wide one. what are you going to have on meal if you stop relation with russia? most of fish and crab in japan are from russian EEZ in sea of Okhotsk and Japan. If you stop the Nuke plant in nearest furure wich oil you will use. Gas from US??? or from muslim striken middle east? and whom are you going sell your used car to??? open your mind and realise, that rissia and china are strategic allies as well as us and japan. now you try to have a trobles with both of them, and washington will see this dangerous game from aside, like they did lust fall

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

The Russians smell blood in the water. This was definitely a deliberate move. There is no way that their routine flight path would fly this close to Japan's airspace.

Unless these violations are routine and Japan is taking this moment to publicize it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Droll Quarry The Russians took a large number of the Balkan states and half of Germany after WWII

And WHO began WWII ?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Unless these violations are routine and Japan is taking this moment to publicize it.

It is unwelcoming development for Japan. However publicizing Russia intrusion is counter productive too. Hostility is two way traffic.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Japan trade sanctions against Russia? Dear YuriOtani...what are you smoking....?

Japan is the one needing the LNG and oil... and to try sell the overpriced Sony toys to Russians and the rich Chinese and Russian tourists...not the other way around...

If Japan wants to do any kind of treaties regarding the territories it would be most likely full sign off to Russia with development benefits to Japan ( such as if privately Japanese want to invest there - they could with better conditions. )

Any other way is plainly daydreaming for kids.. not adults.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Back on topic please.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What idiot let this through? The islands in question were invaded AFTER Japan had already surrendered.

The islands were seized during military operations long before the real capitulation of japanese armed forces.

No trade, no Russians in our waters or overflights. Let them swim in their oil. Next time their Empire fails we will enjoy watching them starve.

Minor violation of Japanese airspace due to possible navigational mistake caused almost hysterical complaints. You sound like a poor victim of US-made propaganda. Pirty for you.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Well, IMHO anyway the flight of two Russian fighter jets yesterday and JTFEX of the Russian Eastern Military District on the disputed islands undoubtedly coincided with the Northern territory day. It means that Russians try to show their ability and intention to secure national interests in all possible way. It seems like a quite clear sign to Japan government for non provoking Russians by requesting of the territories which had been previously rejected. Well one territorial dispute with china is quite enough for Japan. We don’t need any more

1 ( +1 / -0 )

technosphereFeb. 08, 2013 - 04:42PM JST Minor violation of Japanese airspace due to possible navigational mistake caused almost hysterical complaints. You sound like a poor victim of US-made propaganda. Pirty for you.

Regardless of my installation towards this particular incident, even Minor violations of foreign airspace are unacceptable and cause for natural concern. Russians have all necessary equipment to avoid such incidents, yet they do it all the time, intentionally or by mistake. If your neighbor enters your yard even for a minute, you (looking through the window) start wondering what does he need there.

A military superpower, such as Russia, can not behave irresponsibly. Modern Japan is not the country to pick on with such low level ridiculous provocations. It is much better as a friend, even a distant one. There are plenty of other high level possibilities to show power to earn respect. In some of them, such as in Serbian and on-going Syrian campaigns, you allowed your subordinates to cross all the borders, and then, chickened out. Lack of control seems to be a general problem. Shame on you.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

You do know this was close to where they shot down the civilian airliner killing 269 people?

Speaking about KAL 007, it was a SIGINT spy flight, planned and successfully ( from a point of view of effectivity) organized by American side. Civil Boeing was flying deep inside Soviet airspace and Soviet operators of radars from regional Anti-Aircraft Systems were forced to switch those radars into combat mode. Even 40 minute delay of departure of KAL 007 from Anchorage was aimed to synchronize intrusion into Soviet airspace with orbital position of Ferret-D SIGINT satellite. Also, RC-135 SIGINT airplane was flying at the very same time nearby Kamchatka peninsula. While KAL 007 was flying deeply into airspace of the USSR, an American RC-135 as well as Ferret-D spysat were gathering classified parameters of combat radar stations. When Soviets shot down the KAL 007 , the President of the USA, Ronald Reigan called the USSR as "Evil Empire" and bloody murderers. He was a puppet master while infuriated people on streets of Japanese and South Korean cities were ripping and burning Soviet flags.

Even if they did not intend to enter, why were they so close to Japanese airspace? Looks like they were making practice to attack Japan. Civil Boeing flew deep inside Soviet airspace.

Take away your anime DVDs and watch at the geographical map, please. Russian Federation is located nearby Japan, much, much closer than say, your beloved USA. The distance between Sakhalin and Hokkaido or between southern Kuril island and Hokkaido is so minimal, that you really can violate japanese airspace during routine patrol flight along borderline. There are no any reasons for hysterical complaints. Japanese military jets also fly along common borderline. So what? Blame each other for "preparation for war" ? Have a little respect for yourself, please. Do not behaive like chinese.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

globalwatche The Northern Islands belong to Japan. What do you say when a thief move into your house and settled as if it is his house? . After many years later, he starts telling you the house was always his?

This was Russian position from the 1945

USSR&US were allies at that time.. And in anno 1945 it was US position too....

Today Russia invent nothing new in this area....These jets flying NEAR Japanese borders....

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Modern Japan is not the country to pick on with such low level ridiculous provocations. It is much better as a friend, even a distant one. There are plenty of other high level possibilities to show power to earn respect. In some of them, such as in Serbian and on-going Syrian campaigns, you allowed your subordinates to cross all the borders, and then, chickened out. Lack of control seems to be a general problem. Shame on you.

It weren't provocations " to show the power" . Because it's a pointless thing. Russians are neither Americans nor Chinese to show power by "flexing muscles". As for "lack of control", you are wrong, speaking even about Serbia. Yes, Russian leadership watching too long on brutal bombing campaign of NATO. Then Russian paratroopers landed in Pristina airport and stole victory of NATO during final phase of operation. American general Clark demanded NATO commanders to attack Russians but they refused "to start World War III". As for Syria, Assad still can fight the islamic rebells. No need to back him by invasion yet. Speaking about "chicken's behaviour", I recommend you to read about Russian responce to georgian invasion in South Ossetia in 2008. Georgian President seriously thought, that the USA would never abandon him. ;-))))

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

In December, Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to restart talks on signing a peace treaty formally ending the hostilities of World War II that has been stymied by the dispute.

hostilities of World War II ended 69 years before....

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I have a question about the title of the article.

Does anybody know what is the airspace border between two countries and is it disputable too after the territorial dispute?

Cause it seems to me that if the jet-fighters entered the airspace above Kurils (claimed to be a part of Hokkaido by Japanese, so may be called Hokkaido in the article), then its a little bit different case from if they flew over Sapporo.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Sorry. I withdraw the question. The article says Rishiri island.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The South Kuril Islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and Habomai are an integral part of Russian territory. Russia received them after World War II in accordance with the agreements of Allies. The international legal instruments, adopted in 1945, form the legal basis of this right. Among them: the Yalta agreement and the Potsdam declaration. Consequently, Russian sovereignty over these islands cannot be questioned. That is why russian jet-fighters were in its own airspace

2 ( +2 / -0 )

kobukson and Alex Einz am against Japan becoming dependent on Russia for anything. As for the crabs well perhaps another source can be found. It would be good for the crabs in the area. My main point was why were the Russian jets flying so close to Japan? Even if they did not cross the line they were all so close. A strange thing for Russia to do when the PM of that country announced plans to settle differences. It could be that Russia is losing control of its armed forces. The Russian Air Force might not want peace so they ordered the intrusion to kill any agreement. There is no reason for these jets to fly so close to Japanese airspace.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Russian jet-fighters are very often flying so close to Japanese airspace, perhaps its their aviation tradition.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

New power rising, Japan is no longer a treat to them, so keep the pacifist is now irrelevant for them.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Since this is Russia we talking about, Japan and Abe better be extra careful. Russia is more powerful than China.

In the worst case scenario, I imagine a military alliance between Russia,China and Korea where Russia take Kuril islands, Korea keep Dokdo/Takeshima and China will take Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

YuriOtani My main point was why were the Russian jets flying so close to Japan?

Cause Sakhalin is in 30 km from Hokkaido and Kuril Islands are even closer. Its a border between two states which have no peace treaty or any kind of a military agreement. There are military troops around the border at both sides. Japanese are watching Russians, Russians are watching Japanese. Little incidents are normal in this kind of situation.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I believe that some information has to be kept in secret until they clarify the causes of the violation. They probably has red phones connecting each other. It will avoid problems with the Russian government. If they want to make it public, release the video and other proof to the news agency.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yuri Otani - you have to rely on Russia, simply because you got no other choice in the great global economy of today. Russia most likely couldnt care less about Japanese aerospace borders.... That said, if the flyby was anyhow intentional - it could have had 2 reasons.

Saying - forget about any territories. or Was requested from JP government to enhance support in the government.

Both are very plausible.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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