TOKYO — On Friday, Japan’s Cabinet sanctioned additional measures against Russia in response to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These sanctions comprise the freezing of assets belonging to a variety of individuals and entities, along with prohibiting exports to numerous organizations based in Russia and other nations suspected of assisting in the circumvention of existing sanctions.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized that this latest round of sanctions reflects Japan’s dedication to collaborating with the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations in reinforcing actions against Russia for its military aggression in Ukraine. This decision follows several previous sanctions imposed by Japan, which Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed during an online G7 summit held in mid-December. Ishiba underscored the necessity for strict measures due to Russia’s increasing ties with North Korea and its utilization of third-party countries to evade restrictions.
Hayashi articulated that these actions are Japan’s contribution to the global initiative aimed at fostering international peace and addressing the consequences of the conflict ignited by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In a joint statement issued by Japan’s ministries of foreign affairs, trade, and finance, a total of 11 individuals, 29 organizations, and three banks in Russia have now been included on the asset freeze roster. This also encompasses an official from a North Korean trading company and a Georgian bank implicated in support for sanctions evasion.
The Cabinet enacted comprehensive export bans targeting 22 Russian entities, particularly those connected to military operations, technological advancement, and machinery manufacturing. Export restrictions will extend to 31 other non-Russian groups identified as facilitators of sanction circumvention—comprising 11 in Hong Kong, seven in mainland China, eight in Turkey, two in Kyrgyzstan, and one each in Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Kazakhstan.
Additionally, a list comprising 335 items prohibited from export to Russia was authorized, with these restrictions to take effect from January 23. This compilation includes construction vehicle engines, motorized bicycles, various communication devices, and several mechanical tools and valves, as detailed by the trade and industry ministry.
The newly introduced sanctions and export controls are aligned with G7 strategies to prevent Russia from sidestepping penalties through assistance from third-party nations. Hayashi reaffirmed the prohibition on exporting materials likely to bolster Russia’s industrial capabilities. Japan has consistently worked in partnership with the G7 to implement sanctions against Russia while offering support to Ukraine, especially amidst escalating worries regarding the conflict’s repercussions throughout Asia, where China has displayed tendencies to use force concerning its control over Taiwan.
