Until recently, Japan had been trying strenuously to improve and strengthen its relations with Russia. Japan had hoped to regain its Northern Territories through negotiations with Russia. It also aimed to discourage Russia from forging ties with China that had already become too close for comfort for Japan. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally shaken the basis of this strategy. James Brown, an expert on Japan-Russia relations and associate professor at Temple University’s Japan Campus, explains how Russia’s war in Ukraine has changed the political landscape of Japan, Russia and China relations, as well as its impact on Japan’s economy and security.