On May 20, 2025, His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, met with Akira Muto, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Russian Federation, at the Patriarchal Working Residence in Chisty Lane in Moscow.
Thanking His Holiness Patriarch Kirill for the opportunity to meet and talk, the Japanese diplomat mentioned the historical spiritual ties between the two countries that had developed through the labors and ministry of Equal-to-the-Apostles Nicholas (Kasatkin), Archbishop of Japan.
For his part, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, noting the complexity of the history of relations between Russia and Japan in different periods, stressed: "But for all that, there is something in Japan that is very close to us, the Russian people. This is, of course, the presence of the Japanese Autonomous Orthodox Church, the Orthodox community of Japan, which we respect very much, and which is the legacy of St. Nicholas (Kasatkin)."
The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church also shared warm memories of visiting Japan in 2012, celebrating divine services at Tokyo's Resurrection Cathedral, which is known in Japan as "Nicholas Do," as well as meeting with His Majesty Emperor Akihito, the predecessor of the current Emperor Naruhito. "It was a great honor for me, and I was very pleasantly surprised by the simplicity and cordiality with which the emperor received me. For me, it was a sign that the person who is the symbol of Japan is disposed towards the Russian Church, which means that there is a good feeling towards our people," said His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.
His Holiness expressed his wish and hope for an improvement in relations between Japan and Russia, neighboring states whose peoples live side by side and have much in common. According to His Holiness, the course of warming relations will benefit both countries.
"The ambassador's mission is to promote the interests of his state, but also, it seems to me, to take care of peace between countries. The Church has the same mission — to take care of peace, and if peace is disrupted or difficulties arise, then from a spiritual and cultural point of view, make efforts to change relations for the better," said His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.  "I really hope that the difficult period of Russian—Japanese relations will pass as everything is going."
During the further conversation, issues of cooperation with the diplomatic mission of Japan in Russia and other topics of mutual interest were discussed.