Japan referred to Russia on Wednesday over counter-sanctions measures that barred entrance to 13 Japanese industry executives, including Toyota Motor chairman. On Tuesday, the Russian foreign ministry issued a list of 13 Japanese citizens, announcing that Moscow would permanently restrict their entry into the country.
“The decision made by Russia would restrict legitimate Japanese corporate activities, which is completely unacceptable,” said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi at a media briefing in Tokyo, Japan’s capital.
Japan has issued a strong protest against Russia’s decision to refuse entrance to 13 Japanese business executives. Russia’s decision comes in revenge to Japan’s sanctions over the Ukrainian invasion. Hirokazu Matsuno, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, reiterated that Russia’s actions are “unjustified” and “absolutely unacceptable.” He emphasized that Japan will continue to work with the international community to address the situation in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida highlighted Japan’s position, condemning Russia’s aggressiveness and criticizing its attempt to transfer blame onto Japan-Russia relations. This argument over entry bans and sanctions is part of a larger conflict that encompasses long-standing concerns like the unsettled status of the Northern Territories (Kuril Islands), which has hampered a formal peace treaty between the two states since World War II.
Russia’s ban is considered as a form of punishment in response to Japan’s penalties, which are consistent with actions taken by other G7 countries. Japan has slapped severe penalties against Russian financial institutions and leaders, indicating support with international efforts to punish Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. Prime Minister Kishida emphasized the injustice of Russia’s attempt to redirect the matter to Japan-Russia ties, underlining Japan’s opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo by force.
Despite the current diplomatic split, Japan remains determined to resolve the Northern Territories issue and sign a peace treaty with Russia. However, the invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions have considerably reduced the chances of immediate improvement. Prime Minister Kishida acknowledged the challenges ahead, highlighting the impossibility of envisioning new economic cooperation with Russia in the existing conditions. Japan has yet to withdraw from important cooperative energy projects that are critical to its resource needs, but the future of these cooperation is questionable.
