Russian-Japanese one-day drills to practice helping vessels in distress kicked off in the Sea of Japan near Russia's Vladivostok on Tuesday, a Russian Pacific Fleet spokesperson said.

Two Russian large anti-submarine ships, a Japanese destroyer and frigate, as well as helicopters from both countries will take part in the exercise.

One of the ships will play the role of a vessel in distress. The rescue operation will last for six hours.

"Sailors from both countries will hold talks in English and will work on a single scenario in order to hone teamwork skills" the spokesperson said.

VLADIVOSTOK, July 27 (RIA Novosti)