Cultural Rift: Japan Requests Return of Golden Pavilion Model from Russia

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed surprise at a recent request by the Japanese Embassy to return a cultural gift presented to Sakhalin over two decades ago. The dispute concerns a detailed model of the “Kinkaku-ji – Golden Pavilion”, which was gifted by Tokyo in 2001 to mark the opening of the Japanese Information Center on the island.

Gift of Friendship Now in Dispute

According to the Russian ministry, the model had long been considered an official gift from Japan and a symbol of cultural friendship. Officials noted that such an unusual demand does little to create a favorable image of the Japanese consulate's activities or to rebuild the country’s once-positive reputation in the eyes of Sakhalin residents and the Russian public at large.

“This request hardly contributes to a constructive information environment around the activities of the Japanese Consulate General, nor to restoring Japan’s former positive image in the eyes of Sakhalin residents and Russians more broadly,” the Foreign Ministry stated.

Japan made the official request on July 25, 2025, asking for the return of the model, which had been on public display in Sakhalin’s regional scientific library for more than 20 years.

A Cultural Centerpiece and Symbol of Peace

Staff at the Sakhalin library described the Golden Pavilion model as a centerpiece of the Center for International Cooperation’s exhibit, donated by the Japanese Consulate headed at the time by Yoshihisa Kuroda. The gift also included a collection of Japanese books and publications, presented as symbols of goodwill.

For over two decades, the Golden Pavilion inspired curiosity and cultural exploration among visitors, serving as a visual embodiment of Japan–Russia cultural exchange. The library expressed gratitude to the consulate for the trust and opportunity to showcase a piece of Asian art to the public.

Tensions Rise Amid Military Drills

This diplomatic wrinkle comes as relations between Russia and Japan continue to deteriorate. The Russian Foreign Ministry also lodged a protest against the Japanese Embassy over Tokyo’s participation in military exercises near Russian borders.

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the drills as “irresponsible activities” with the hallmarks of preparation for military conflict.

“Such actions are entirely unacceptable and represent a potential threat to the security of the Russian Federation,” the ministry emphasized.

Zakharova warned that Moscow will respond appropriately if it perceives any risk to national security stemming from Japan’s actions.