Japan Protests Russia’s Ban on Business Executives Including Toyota Head
Japan has officially protested Russia’s decision to permanently ban 13 Japanese citizens, primarily business leaders from prominent companies like Toyota Motor Corp, as retaliation for Tokyo’s sanctions over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This list includes notable figures such as Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani, and Japan International Cooperation Agency President Akihiko Tanaka.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi labeled the ban as “absolutely unacceptable,” emphasizing that it restricts legitimate activities of Japanese companies in Russia. Despite the lack of clear reasons from Russia for targeting these individuals, Japan’s protest underscores its strong opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which Japan considers a violation of international law.
Japan has aligned with the Group of Seven industrialized nations to impose sanctions on Russia, motivated by growing regional concerns, particularly China’s increasing military presence and threats to Taiwan. The conflict has also led Japan to provide substantial financial and material support to Ukraine, including easing arms export controls to supply Patriot missiles to the US.
Toyota, which ceased its operations in St. Petersburg following the invasion, and other Japanese companies now face additional challenges due to Russia’s retaliatory measures. Japan’s government continues to take all possible measures to protect the interests of its nationals and businesses operating abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Russia banned the executives as a retaliatory measure against Japan’s sanctions over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The ban includes Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani, and Japan International Cooperation Agency President Akihiko Tanaka.
Japan has protested the ban, calling it unacceptable and emphasizing that it restricts legitimate business activities.
Japan is imposing sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which Japan views as a violation of international law.
Japanese companies, including Toyota, have ceased operations in Russia and face restrictions due to the ongoing conflict and retaliatory measures by Russia.
Japan has provided significant financial and material support to Ukraine and eased arms export controls to supply Patriot missiles to the US for replenishing inventories.
