https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-21/russia-and-japan-at-odds-over-ukraine-and-islands/100999154
For most of World War II, Japan and the Soviet Union were not adversaries, signing a neutrality agreement in 1941.But in August 1945, the Soviet Union saw an opportunity to attack a crippled and near-defeated Japan.
Moscow violated the neutrality pact and attacked Japanese positions, taking territory even after Tokyo announced its intention to surrender.
Four islands were seized and never returned: Etorofu, Kunashiri, Habomai and Shikotan.
When Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, Japan was relatively silent. The tactic ultimately failed.
"He met with Putin 27 times, he invited him to his hometown, he even tried to give him a pet dog.
