Japan will send officials to Russia at the end of May for talks with Moscow aimed at protecting the assets of Japanese firms operating in the country, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara [1]. This move comes amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and follows recent media reports suggesting Japan was considering sending an economic delegation to Russia to prepare for post-war business activities. However, Kihara denied these reports, stating that the current situation does not permit Japan to pursue new cooperation with Russia [1].
Kihara clarified that the officials' trip is part of an arrangement to 'communicate' with Moscow, and that representatives from related Japanese companies may join the meetings with Russian counterparts [1]. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry echoed Kihara's stance in recent posts on X, emphasizing that Japan will continue to implement sanctions against Russia while supporting Japanese companies operating there [1].
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the Japanese government has proposed a two-day visit starting May 26, which may include representatives from major Japanese companies such as trading house Mitsui & Co and shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd [1]. Japan has maintained economic sanctions on Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, in coordination with other Group of Seven nations and like-minded countries [1].
CONCLUSION
Japan is taking steps to protect its business interests in Russia by sending officials for talks, while maintaining its sanctions policy. The visit is not intended to initiate new cooperation but to safeguard existing assets, reflecting a cautious approach amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.