Richard Sorge is one of history’s most famous spies. This hard-drinking, womanizing, motorcycle-crashing Soviet officer penetrated the German embassy in Tokyo during the 1930s and gathered intelligence credited with changing the course of World War II. It is an intriguing tale; but Sorge’s spy ring was just one chapter in a much longer history of Russian and Soviet espionage in and against Japan.
Cracking the Crab: Russian Espionage Against Japan, from Peter the Great to Richard Sorge (2025, Hurst & Company) tells the extraordinary story of Russian intrigue targeting Japan, from first encounters in the 18th century to the Soviet declaration of war in August 1945. Colorful episodes include Gojong, King of Korea, being smuggled into the Russian legation dressed as a woman in 1896; the 1927 “Tanaka Memorial,” an infamous forgery purporting to be Japan’s hidden plan for world domination; and the secret intelligence of “Nero,” a Soviet agent supplying invaluable insight into Japanese strategy during World War II.
From Russians murdered in broad daylight in Meiji Tokyo to Soviet honey traps and “white magic” at the Battle of Nomonhan, this is a landmark history of the covert struggle between two great powers of the modern age.
James D.J. Brown PhD is professor of political science at Temple University, Japan Campus. His previous books include, Japan, Russia and their Territorial Dispute: The Northern Delusion (2016).
During the Book Break, Professor Brown will introduce the contents of Cracking the Crab. He will also speak more broadly about the issue of Russian espionage in Japan, including in the present day.
Doors open at 5:45 pm with a casual “meet the author/cocktail time” from 6:00 pm. Dinner will be served from 6:30 pm and the talk begins at 7:15 pm.
The menu is Beef Pastrami and Pumpkin Salad, Sautéed Flounder with Tomato Balsamic Sauce, Bread, Today's Dessert, Coffee or Tea, and One beverage of choice (orange juice, oolong tea, red or white wine, beer). A vegetarian option is available. Please inform the club of food restrictions when reserving (front@fccj.or.jp). Price: 3,000 yen for members, 4,000 yen for non-members.
Online attendance (Zoom) is available by reservation at 550 yen per person.
The member reservation deadline is 2 pm January 20.
Non-members must reserve and pay by Thursday, January 15.
No cancellations after Saturday, January 17, 2026.
(The talk will be in English)
Library, Archives & Workroom Committee