Russia has permanently barred nine Japanese citizens from entering its territory, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday. The move comes as a response to Japan’s sanctions against Russia over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Among those affected by the ban is Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwai, alongside prominent business figures such as Shinsuke Minami, president and representative director of carmaker Isuzu, and Shohei Hara, senior vice president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
This is not the first time Moscow has taken such measures against Japanese officials and executives. In late July 2024, Russia imposed similar entry restrictions on 13 other Japanese nationals, including the chairman of Toyota Motor. Tokyo strongly opposed that decision at the time.
Moscow has frequently employed travel bans as a retaliatory tactic against foreign nations imposing sanctions or criticizing its military actions in Ukraine. This approach has been used against multiple countries, including the United States and Canada, where extensive lists contain the names of hundreds of restricted individuals.
While Japan has joined Western allies in imposing economic and diplomatic sanctions against Russia since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, Russia has responded with countermeasures, including entry bans on Japanese political and business figures.
The latest decision underscores the ongoing tensions between Moscow and Tokyo, further complicating diplomatic relations. Despite protests from the Japanese government, Russia appears firm in its stance on imposing restrictions against individuals it views as supporting sanctions or engaging in policies deemed hostile to its interests.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that such measures are in direct response to what it considers Japan’s unfriendly actions. An official response from Tokyo regarding this latest ban is expected soon.
