Photo/Illutration Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori speaks at a May 2022 gathering in Tokyo. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori on Jan. 25 questioned Japan’s overwhelming support for Ukraine, saying there is no way Russia will lose the war.

At an event in Tokyo to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Japan-India Association, Mori mentioned that good relations have developed between Japan and Russia over the years.

“Should we be supporting Ukraine to this extent? It is unthinkable that Russia will lose,” he said. “A much more terrible situation would emerge if that were to happen, and Japan would have to play an important role. I believe that would be the job facing Japan.”

Under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan has provided funds, supplies and equipment to Ukraine since Russia invaded its neighbor nearly a year ago.

Japan has also provided shelter for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict while slapping sanctions on Russia over its actions.

Mori, however, has never been one to stifle his opinions, even if they defy Japanese government policy or counter the view of the vast majority of the world’s population.

In February 2021, when Mori was chairman of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee, he said at a Japan Olympic Committee Council meeting that female board members prolong meetings because they are competitive and talk so much.

Although Mori apologized and retracted the comment the next day, he was eventually forced to resign as organizing committee chairman when international controversy arose over his sexist remark.

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