James D.J. Brown
@jamesdjbrown.bsky.social
Professor of Political Science, Temple University Japan. Currently working on: “Spy Paradise: Russian Espionage against Japan, from the Cold War to Cyber Warfare.” This book is the sequel to “Cracking the Crab”.
Pinned
Cracking the Crab | Hurst Publishers
The fascinating history of Russia’s secret agents targeting Japan, from the Edo shogunate to the Second World War.
www.hurstpublishers.com
My book on the history of Russian espionage against Japan is now available for purchase.
(Also available via Amazon).
www.hurstpublishers.com/book/crackin...
(Also available via Amazon).
www.hurstpublishers.com/book/crackin...
Article in Russian press claims Japan will be hit hard by Russia’s decision to allow Chinese tourists to travel to Russia without visas. The article says Chinese tourists will now travel to Russia instead of Japan, “dealing a blow” to Japan’s economy. fedpress.ru/news/77/poli...
У Японии проблемы из-за действий России: указ Путина стал ударом для Токио | Москва | ФедералПресс
Российский президент Владимир Путин устроил серьезные проблемы Японии, подробнее об этом - на ФедералПресс.
fedpress.ru
December 2, 2025 at 5:57 AM
Article in Russian press claims Japan will be hit hard by Russia’s decision to allow Chinese tourists to travel to Russia without visas. The article says Chinese tourists will now travel to Russia instead of Japan, “dealing a blow” to Japan’s economy. fedpress.ru/news/77/poli...
Around 500 people marched in Tokyo on 1 Dec to demand Russia’s return of the Northern Territories. 23 members of parliament joined the annual march.
news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/1d6...
news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/1d6...
早期の領土返還アピール 元島民ら500人、都内で街頭行進 北方墓参再開も訴え（釧路新聞電子版） - Yahoo!ニュース
北方領土隣接地域振興対策根室管内市町連絡協議会（会長・石垣雅敏根室市長、略称・北隣協）主催の「北方領土返還要求中央アピール行動」が1日、東京都内で実施された。元島民ら500人が、北方領土返還や北方墓
news.yahoo.co.jp
December 2, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Around 500 people marched in Tokyo on 1 Dec to demand Russia’s return of the Northern Territories. 23 members of parliament joined the annual march.
news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/1d6...
news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/1d6...
Takaichi met Hokkaido governor & other local leaders on 1 Dec to discuss the territorial dispute with Russia. She diligently promised to “negotiate persistently” with Russia. Yet, the article suggests her govt is focused on China & has little time for Russia. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1246...
「粘り強く日ロで交渉」 首相、意欲も展望見えず 根室管内首長らと面会：北海道新聞デジタル
高市早苗首相は1日、北方領土に隣接する根室管内1市4町の首長や鈴木直道知事らと官邸で面会した。戦後80年が過ぎても北方領土問題が解決しない現状に首相は「誠に遺憾だ。政府として重く受け止めている」と述べ...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
December 2, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Takaichi met Hokkaido governor & other local leaders on 1 Dec to discuss the territorial dispute with Russia. She diligently promised to “negotiate persistently” with Russia. Yet, the article suggests her govt is focused on China & has little time for Russia. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1246...
5 Japanese firms make SIPRI’s list of the world’s top 100 arms-producing companies (3 more than Russia). Collectively the Japanese firms’ sales jumped 40% in 2024. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1245...
世界の軍需企業、販売額が最高 24年、日本企業も40％増：北海道新聞デジタル
【ロンドン共同】スウェーデンのストックホルム国際平和研究所（SIPRI）は1日、世界の軍需企業の2024年販売額に関する報告書を発表した。上位100社の軍需関連の販売額は前年比で5・9％増加し、67...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
December 1, 2025 at 12:09 AM
5 Japanese firms make SIPRI’s list of the world’s top 100 arms-producing companies (3 more than Russia). Collectively the Japanese firms’ sales jumped 40% in 2024. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1245...
Editorial in the Mainichi takes issue with the Takaichi administration’s plans to introduce an anti-spy law. It questions the need for additional legislation and warns of the potential threat to citizens’ privacy. mainichi.jp/articles/202...
社説：スパイ防止法 必要性への疑問が尽きぬ | 毎日新聞
安全保障上のリスクをことさら強調し、国民の権利を侵害することがあってはならない。 高市早苗政権が、国の機密情報を入手する外国勢力のスパイ行為を取り締まる法律の制定を目指している。国民民主党や参政党は別途、スパイ防止の関連法案を国会に提出した。
mainichi.jp
November 29, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Editorial in the Mainichi takes issue with the Takaichi administration’s plans to introduce an anti-spy law. It questions the need for additional legislation and warns of the potential threat to citizens’ privacy. mainichi.jp/articles/202...
Survey by Japan’s Cabinet Office finds that just 6.4% of Japanese respondents feel affection (親しみ) for Russia. 93.2% do not. This is actually a slightly more positive result than last year when 94.3% did not feel affection for Russia.
survey.gov-online.go.jp/202509/r07/r...
survey.gov-online.go.jp/202509/r07/r...
survey.gov-online.go.jp
November 29, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Survey by Japan’s Cabinet Office finds that just 6.4% of Japanese respondents feel affection (親しみ) for Russia. 93.2% do not. This is actually a slightly more positive result than last year when 94.3% did not feel affection for Russia.
survey.gov-online.go.jp/202509/r07/r...
survey.gov-online.go.jp/202509/r07/r...
Russian MFA’s Zakharova criticises Japan’s alleged plans to allow deployment of intermediate-range Typhon missiles on Okinawa. She accuses JPN of transforming Okinawa into a “military springboard” & “pumping it full of weapons”. She adds: “We reserve the right to respond firmly”
November 28, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Russian MFA’s Zakharova criticises Japan’s alleged plans to allow deployment of intermediate-range Typhon missiles on Okinawa. She accuses JPN of transforming Okinawa into a “military springboard” & “pumping it full of weapons”. She adds: “We reserve the right to respond firmly”
While the LDP, Ishin, DPP, and Sanseito all support an anti-spy law, Komeito remains cautious. The JCP & CDP are actively opposed. One CDP veteran says supporters of an anti-spy law “have been watching too many spy films.” www.sankei.com/article/2025...
参政、国民民主…野党の「スパイ防止法」提出の動き相次ぐ 透ける議論リードの思惑
自民党と日本維新の会が来年の通常国会での審議を念頭に検討を進める「スパイ防止法制」に関し、一部野党の間で独自の法案を今国会に提出する動きが相次いでいる。国民民…
www.sankei.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:35 AM
While the LDP, Ishin, DPP, and Sanseito all support an anti-spy law, Komeito remains cautious. The JCP & CDP are actively opposed. One CDP veteran says supporters of an anti-spy law “have been watching too many spy films.” www.sankei.com/article/2025...
Momentum is building towards introducing an anti-spy law in Japan. On 26 Nov, the DPP introduced a bill outlining their proposal for such a law. The LDP, Ishin, and Sansei-to also in favour. Takaichi says she wants to begin considering the issue before the year end. www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/202...
「スパイ防止法」に高市首相「年内に検討開始」と前向き、国民民主党と参政党が法案…課題は山積み
【読売新聞】 国民民主、参政の両党が「スパイ防止法」制定を巡る議論の活発化を狙い、積極的な動きを見せている。２６日には国民民主が衆院に法案を提出し、参政は党首討論で高市首相に法整備に向けた連携を求め、年内に検討を始めるとの答弁を引き
www.yomiuri.co.jp
November 27, 2025 at 6:51 AM
Momentum is building towards introducing an anti-spy law in Japan. On 26 Nov, the DPP introduced a bill outlining their proposal for such a law. The LDP, Ishin, and Sansei-to also in favour. Takaichi says she wants to begin considering the issue before the year end. www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/202...
Russian tourists spend on average Y327,325 per person in Japan. This makes them the 7th biggest spenders, behind the UK, Australia, Spain, France, Germany, & the US.
There is currently a boom in RU tourism to Japan, with 159,300 visiting between Apr & Oct.
1prime.ru/20251122/jap...
There is currently a boom in RU tourism to Japan, with 159,300 visiting between Apr & Oct.
1prime.ru/20251122/jap...
Посольство Японии рассказало о тратах российских туристов
Россияне тратят в Японии в среднем 327 тысяч иен (2,1 тысячи долларов), сообщили РИА Новости в посольстве Японии в России. | 22.11.2025, ПРАЙМ
1prime.ru
November 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Russian tourists spend on average Y327,325 per person in Japan. This makes them the 7th biggest spenders, behind the UK, Australia, Spain, France, Germany, & the US.
There is currently a boom in RU tourism to Japan, with 159,300 visiting between Apr & Oct.
1prime.ru/20251122/jap...
There is currently a boom in RU tourism to Japan, with 159,300 visiting between Apr & Oct.
1prime.ru/20251122/jap...
Japan has dispatched two demining experts from the Ground Self-Defence Forces to Lithuania to assist in training Ukrainian troops in demining techniques. www.asahi.com/articles/AST...
ウクライナ兵に地雷除去訓練 陸自教官を初派遣「日本の強みいかす」：朝日新聞
ロシアの侵攻を受けるウクライナの兵士を対象にした地雷除去訓練が11月初旬から、東欧バルト3国のリトアニアでおこなわれている。陸上自衛隊の教官2人が初めて派遣され、埋設されている地雷を探知し安全に処理…
www.asahi.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Japan has dispatched two demining experts from the Ground Self-Defence Forces to Lithuania to assist in training Ukrainian troops in demining techniques. www.asahi.com/articles/AST...
TV interview with me for France24 about recent Japan-China tensions.
www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/...
www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/...
Access Asia - China's fury over Japan's Taiwan remarks: Cancelled flights, concerts and seafood ban
We analyse the renewed tensions between China and Japan, who have been locked in an escalating diplomatic row. The spat was set off by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's suggestion earlier this month tha...
www.france24.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:42 AM
TV interview with me for France24 about recent Japan-China tensions.
www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/...
www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/...
Japan’s Takaichi Sanae was part of meeting of Western leaders on G20 sidelines that stated that Trump’s plan for Ukraine requires “additional work.” They expressed concern about accepting changes to borders by force & placing limits on Ukraine’s armed forces. www.reuters.com/world/americ...
www.reuters.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Japan’s Takaichi Sanae was part of meeting of Western leaders on G20 sidelines that stated that Trump’s plan for Ukraine requires “additional work.” They expressed concern about accepting changes to borders by force & placing limits on Ukraine’s armed forces. www.reuters.com/world/americ...
Takaichi will host Central Asian leaders in mid-December for the first Japan-Central Asian leaders’ summit. It was supposed to take place in Central Asia last year but Kishida cancelled his visit at the last moment due to warnings of a major earthquake. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1242...
【独自】政府、中央アジア5カ国と初の首脳会合開催へ 12月中旬に東京で 中ロの「裏庭」と関係強化目指す：北海道新聞デジタル
政府は中央アジア5カ国との初の首脳会合を12月中旬に東京都内で開く方向で調整に入った。中央アジアは隣接するロシアや中国の「裏庭」とも呼ばれ、経済や地政学上の重要性から各国の関心が高まっており、日本も首...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
November 22, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Takaichi will host Central Asian leaders in mid-December for the first Japan-Central Asian leaders’ summit. It was supposed to take place in Central Asia last year but Kishida cancelled his visit at the last moment due to warnings of a major earthquake. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1242...
Japan & Russia to begin fishery talks on 24 Nov to agree terms for access to each other’s 200-nautical-mile zones for 2026. There are hopes for a quick agreement, though last year it took 6 months. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1242...
日ロ地先交渉、24日からオンラインで 28日の妥結目指す：北海道新聞デジタル
水産庁は21日、日本とロシア双方の200カイリ水域内での来年の操業条件を決める日ロ漁業委員会（地先沖合漁業交渉）を24日から始めると発表した。オンラインで行い、早ければ28日の妥結を目指す。通常は年内...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
November 22, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Japan & Russia to begin fishery talks on 24 Nov to agree terms for access to each other’s 200-nautical-mile zones for 2026. There are hopes for a quick agreement, though last year it took 6 months. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1242...
Spokeswoman for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova accuses Japan of being “on a path of accelerated remilitarisation.” She points to Japan’s increased defence spending, its “destructive behaviour in the international arena”, and its “aggressive rhetoric”.
November 21, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Spokeswoman for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova accuses Japan of being “on a path of accelerated remilitarisation.” She points to Japan’s increased defence spending, its “destructive behaviour in the international arena”, and its “aggressive rhetoric”.
Trade turnover between Japan and Russia was up 2.55% in Oct, compared with the same month last year. LNG accounted for 58.9% of Japan’s imports from Russia. Cars and car parts accounted for 70.1% of Russian imports from Japan. Japan imported no Russian oil in Oct.
November 21, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Trade turnover between Japan and Russia was up 2.55% in Oct, compared with the same month last year. LNG accounted for 58.9% of Japan’s imports from Russia. Cars and car parts accounted for 70.1% of Russian imports from Japan. Japan imported no Russian oil in Oct.
On 20 Nov, the LDP began talks on revisions to the 3 national security documents. Also under discussion are changes to rules on transfer of defence equipment to end restrictions limiting exports to areas of rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, minesweeping. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1241...
安全保障3文書改定へ自民協議開始 26年春に提言 防衛費、武器輸出緩和、非核三原則など論点：北海道新聞デジタル
自民党は20日、外交・防衛政策の指針「国家安全保障戦略」など安全保障関連3文書の前倒し改定に向けた協議を始めた。防衛費増額の新たな目標や殺傷能力のある武器輸出のさらなる緩和、「非核三原則」の扱いなどが...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
November 21, 2025 at 12:26 AM
On 20 Nov, the LDP began talks on revisions to the 3 national security documents. Also under discussion are changes to rules on transfer of defence equipment to end restrictions limiting exports to areas of rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, minesweeping. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1241...
Article about Rising Sun Security Services, a Japanese firm providing security for Japanese business people visiting Ukraine. The firm’s boss says that Japanese firms often overpay for security when operating in risky environments overseas. www.sankei.com/article/2025...
「日本人の安全は日本人が守る」…ウクライナ出張族を身辺警護、警備会社がキーウ支社開設
激しい戦闘が続くウクライナで、日本から〝出張〟するビジネスマン向けに警備サービスを展開している企業がある。ロシアによる全面侵攻開始から約3年半が過ぎた今も首都…
www.sankei.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Article about Rising Sun Security Services, a Japanese firm providing security for Japanese business people visiting Ukraine. The firm’s boss says that Japanese firms often overpay for security when operating in risky environments overseas. www.sankei.com/article/2025...
A pair of articles by Hosaka Sanshiro (a noted expert on Russian intelligence). He argues that Japan must be careful of academic & cultural exchanges with RU because RU intelligence uses universities & cultural organisations as platforms for espionage. www.fsight.jp/articles/-/5...
日露「文化・学術交流」「民間外交」が諜報と影響工作の起点になるリスク：ロシア情報機関の視点から（上） ：保坂三四郎 | 記事 | 新潮社 Foresight(フォーサイト) | 会員制国際情報サイト
ロシアでは政治と文化、学術と諜報の間に明確な境界は存在しない。善意からの交流も、侵略や戦争犯罪の「正常化」に利用される危険がある。そして、対日諜報や影響工作の格好の足がかりともなりうるだろう。文化・学術交流のカウンターパートとなる大学や研究所に連邦保安庁（FSB）が深く浸透していることは知られるが、制裁下のいま、欧米や日本の知識人を標的にしたアプローチはさらに活発化の様相を見せている。
www.fsight.jp
November 19, 2025 at 1:06 AM
A pair of articles by Hosaka Sanshiro (a noted expert on Russian intelligence). He argues that Japan must be careful of academic & cultural exchanges with RU because RU intelligence uses universities & cultural organisations as platforms for espionage. www.fsight.jp/articles/-/5...
Video from award ceremony at Russian embassy on 17 Nov at which Kimura Mitsuhiro, head of anti-US Issuikai, was given a medal. Speeches by ex-PM Hatoyama, current LDP Diet members Suzuki Muneo & Nishida Shoji, & ex-Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura Takeo.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=5urK...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=5urK...
対米自立し日露平和条約締結を！
YouTube video by 一水会チャンネル
m.youtube.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Video from award ceremony at Russian embassy on 17 Nov at which Kimura Mitsuhiro, head of anti-US Issuikai, was given a medal. Speeches by ex-PM Hatoyama, current LDP Diet members Suzuki Muneo & Nishida Shoji, & ex-Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura Takeo.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=5urK...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=5urK...
The US has withdrawn the Typhon missiles from Iwakuni base in Japan. They were temporarily deployed in Japan for the Resolute Dragon drills in Sept. Russian media suggest the withdrawal was a response to RU & PRC pressure. US-JPN say withdrawal was always planned.
www.rbc.ru/politics/17/...
www.rbc.ru/politics/17/...
США вывезли из Японии установки Typhon после недовольства России и Китая
Американские военные забрали с японской базы наземные установки Typhon, протест из-за размещения которых выражали Россия и Китай. Эти установки используются для запуска в том числе крылатых ракет сред...
www.rbc.ru
November 18, 2025 at 5:07 AM
The US has withdrawn the Typhon missiles from Iwakuni base in Japan. They were temporarily deployed in Japan for the Resolute Dragon drills in Sept. Russian media suggest the withdrawal was a response to RU & PRC pressure. US-JPN say withdrawal was always planned.
www.rbc.ru/politics/17/...
www.rbc.ru/politics/17/...
The Russian embassy in Tokyo claims there is growing demand in Japan, incl. from ANA & JAL, to restart direct flights between Japan & Russia.
This issue has recently been mentioned by several RU officials. Restarting flights seems a current priority for Moscow.
www.kommersant.ru/doc/8211054
This issue has recently been mentioned by several RU officials. Restarting flights seems a current priority for Moscow.
www.kommersant.ru/doc/8211054
В посольстве заявили о желании Японии вернуть прямое авиасообщение с Россией
Подробнее на сайте
www.kommersant.ru
November 18, 2025 at 4:58 AM
The Russian embassy in Tokyo claims there is growing demand in Japan, incl. from ANA & JAL, to restart direct flights between Japan & Russia.
This issue has recently been mentioned by several RU officials. Restarting flights seems a current priority for Moscow.
www.kommersant.ru/doc/8211054
This issue has recently been mentioned by several RU officials. Restarting flights seems a current priority for Moscow.
www.kommersant.ru/doc/8211054
I’m delighted to find this new review of my book on Russian spies in Japan. It’s very generous in its praise: “It is very well written, and he manages the difficult task of being thorough, balanced, and entertaining with aplomb. The next volume is keenly awaited”
japan-forward.com/book-review-...
japan-forward.com/book-review-...
BOOK REVIEW | James DJ Brown Takes On Russian Espionage From Peter the Great to Richard Sorge in 'Cracking the Crab | JAPAN Forward
Author James DJ Brown opens the nesting dolls to reveal Moscow's audacious layers of espionage and power grabs that influenced 20th-century Japan and Asia.
japan-forward.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:55 PM
I’m delighted to find this new review of my book on Russian spies in Japan. It’s very generous in its praise: “It is very well written, and he manages the difficult task of being thorough, balanced, and entertaining with aplomb. The next volume is keenly awaited”
japan-forward.com/book-review-...
japan-forward.com/book-review-...
This interesting article by Watanabe Reo notes that Takaichi once seemed open to stopping imports of Russian LNG. The key man who changed her mind was Imai Takaya. Once Abe’s executive secretary, Imai is now a cabinet advisor to Takaichi. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1237...
高市首相が「変心」？ ロシア産ガス「輸入継続」の影にいるキーマンとは＜渡辺玲男編集委員のロシア・ウオッチ＞#21：北海道新聞デジタル
高市早苗首相の就任から3週間余りが過ぎました。就任直後からトランプ米大統領の訪日や国際会議などが相次いだ外交日程の中で、私が注目していたのは、米国が求めるロシア産天然ガスの輸入停止に首相がどう対応する...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
November 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM
This interesting article by Watanabe Reo notes that Takaichi once seemed open to stopping imports of Russian LNG. The key man who changed her mind was Imai Takaya. Once Abe’s executive secretary, Imai is now a cabinet advisor to Takaichi. www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1237...