Abstract: A visit to Japan by the delegation of A.E Laksman in 1792 was a major event in the history of Russian-Japanese relations. The missions visit to Japan was the beginning of Russia’s official contacts with Japan. It laid the foundation of Russian policy towards Japan in the 19th century, and had a farreaching impact on the historical process of RussiaJapan relations. In fact, Russias diplomatic mission to Japan is aimed at the whole Far East and is an eastward practice of “doubleheaded eagle” diplomacy. The background of the Russian mission and its dual mission are doomed to its unsuccessful return, while Japans “legitimate hospitality” reflects the national strategy and interests of safeguarding territorial security. From the perspective of world civilization, the Russian Mission to Japan has played a positive role in enriching the cultural exchanges between Russia and Japan and promoting the cultural exchanges between the East and the West.

Key words: Russia, Japan, A. E. Laksman, Matsudaira Sadanobu