Introduction

Abstract This chapter explains that the purpose of the book is to explore Russian espionage against Japan from early encounters to 1945. It explains that, although Russia and Japan have been rivals since the 19th century, Russian intelligence activities against Japan have hitherto attracted little public attention. The one exception is Richard Sorge, the hard-drinking, womanizing, motorcycle-crashing Soviet spy who penetrated the German embassy in Tokyo during the 1930s. Sorge’s story is fascinating, but this book shows that there is much more to the history of Russian intelligence operations against Japan than this one spy. From Peter the Great to Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II, this book recounts the history of Russia-Japan relations through the lens of espionage.