Post by : Rameen Ariff

Tokyo, Japan — Japan has issued a strong condemnation of Russia's recent decision to extend its entry ban to an additional 30 Japanese citizens, labeling it as “entirely unacceptable.” This announcement, made on November 11, follows Tokyo's sanctions against Moscow relating to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which is approaching its fourth year.

The individuals newly prohibited from entering Russia include Toshihiro Kitamura, spokesperson for Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as a number of journalists, academics, and officials. The Russian Foreign Ministry has indicated that these persons are now on an “indefinite prohibition list.”

The Japanese administration was quick to react. At a press briefing held on Tuesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara expressed dismay over Russia's retaliatory measures, underscoring the importance of people-to-people exchanges for nurturing bilateral relations.

“Japan protests Russia’s regrettable decision. This move is entirely unacceptable,” Kihara remarked. “Moscow should not attempt to deflect the consequences of its invasion of Ukraine onto others.”

In September 2025, Japan enacted further sanctions against Russian corporations, individuals, and other entities, closely following the path taken by its Western allies. These measures included limitations on financial transactions and a reduced ceiling on Russian seaborne crude oil imports.

Conversely, Russia has implemented several rounds of travel bans and countersanctions targeting Japanese officials and civilians as a response to Tokyo's actions.

Despite rising diplomatic tensions, Japan maintains energy imports from Sakhalin, a Russian island in the Far East, which is crucial for Japan's energy security. This decision has raised alarms in the United States, which has urged its allies to limit energy collaboration with Moscow to intensify pressure on the Kremlin.

When questioned about the impact of Britain's ban on insuring Russian gas shipments on Japan's energy supplies from Sakhalin or the potential for new sanctions, Kihara refrained from providing specifics, stating only that Tokyo would act “appropriately to ensure peace in Ukraine while safeguarding national interests.”

The latest incident underscores the deepening diplomatic rift between Tokyo and Moscow, as Japan navigates its support for Ukraine alongside its energy dependence on Russia.

#Global