On May 20, 2025, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Russian Federation, Mr. Akira Muto.
Also attending the meeting were Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, Keiichi Shima, Head of the Political Section of the Embassy of Japan in Russia, and Yoko Matsuo, First Secretary of the Embassy.
Ambassador Muto expressed his gratitude to Patriarch Kirill for the opportunity to meet and talk, recalling the historic spiritual ties between Japan and Russia that were established through the missionary work of St. Nicholas of Japan (Kasatkin), Equal-to-the-Apostles and Archbishop of Japan.
In response, Patriarch Kirill acknowledged the complex history of relations between the two countries but emphasized the deep connection felt by the Russian people toward Japan through the presence of the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Japan. “This Church is highly respected by us and is a legacy of St. Nicholas (Kasatkin),” the Patriarch stated.
Patriarch Kirill also shared fond memories of his visit to Japan in 2012, during which he celebrated a liturgy at the Resurrection Cathedral in Tokyo—locally known as Nikolai-do—and had an audience with His Majesty Emperor Akihito, the father of the current Emperor Naruhito. “It was a great honor for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and simplicity with which the Emperor received me. It was a sign that the symbolic figure of Japan had a kind disposition toward the Russian Church, and by extension, toward our people,” said Patriarch Kirill.
The Patriarch went on to express his hope for improved relations between Russia and Japan—neighboring nations whose peoples live side by side and share many commonalities. He noted that a path toward rapprochement would benefit both nations.
“The mission of an ambassador is to promote the interests of his country, but I also believe it involves caring for peace between nations. The Church shares that mission—to care for peace. When peace is disturbed or difficulties arise, it is the Church’s task, from a spiritual and cultural standpoint, to make efforts for better relations,” the Patriarch said. “I truly hope that this difficult chapter in Russian-Japanese relations will pass—just as all things do.”
During the rest of the meeting, the participants discussed ongoing cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Japanese diplomatic mission, as well as other topics of mutual interest.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
