Japan opts for sanctions against Russia but considers it important to maintain relations

TOKYO, July 3. /TASS/. The Japanese government supports the G7’s sanctions policy against Russia, yet simultaneously considers it necessary to maintain relations with Russia as a neighboring country, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said.

"As for our actions regarding Russia, we will pursue a policy of sanctions against the Russian Federation in cooperation with the international community, including G7 nations," he said, adding that Tokyo would continue to promote "support for recovery and reconstruction to strengthen Ukraine’s socio-economic [system]."

"At the same time, given that Russia is a neighboring country and maintaining bilateral relations is important, we will continue to act accordingly within the framework of our foreign policy, based on what serves our country’s national interests," Kihara noted.

Since 2022, Japanese authorities have imposed several packages of sanctions against Russia, leading to a significant curtailment of bilateral ties. Russian Ambassador to Tokyo Nikolay Nozdrev previously said in an interview with TASS that relations had deteriorated to an unprecedented low due to Japan’s hostile policy. The diplomat identified Tokyo’s abandonment of its unfriendly course as a prerequisite for restoring relations and re-establishing interstate contacts.