Tokyo, Japan – In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Russia announced on Tuesday an indefinite ban on the entry of Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda and 12 other prominent Japanese citizens. The move is a direct response to Japan’s sanctions against Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine. The list of banned individuals includes leading figures from major Japanese corporations, further straining relations between the two nations.
The Russian Foreign Ministry specified that the entry ban targets individuals such as Rakuten Group Inc. Chairman and President Hiroshi Mikitani and Toray Industries Inc. President Mitsuo Ohya. Also named is Akihiko Tanaka, president of the government-backed Japan International Cooperation Agency. The ministry has not provided clear reasons for selecting these 13 individuals, who join an earlier list of banned persons that includes Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Cabinet ministers, lawmakers, media figures, and academics.
Reacting swiftly to the announcement, Japan’s top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi condemned the measure as “totally unacceptable.” Speaking at a regular news conference in Tokyo on Wednesday, the chief Cabinet secretary emphasized that the ban could severely restrict the legitimate activities of Japanese companies in Russia. Hayashi stated that the government has lodged a formal protest against Russia’s move and will continue to take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Japanese nationals and businesses.
The entry ban comes amid a backdrop of heightened economic and political reprisals between the two countries. Japan, aligned with the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations, has imposed a series of sanctions on Russia in response to its aggressive actions in Ukraine. These sanctions reflect Japan’s broader concerns about regional security, particularly in light of China’s increasing military assertiveness and threats towards Taiwan.
Toyota, a significant player in Russia’s automotive market since it began production in St. Petersburg in 2007, ceased its operations in the country following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Commenting on the conflict, Akio Toyoda expressed strong resentment, stating, “I feel strong resentment. War and conflict do not make anybody happy.“
Japan’s measures against Russia have led to various retaliatory actions, including the suspension of bilateral peace treaty talks that also addressed the dispute over certain islands. Moreover, Russia has already imposed entry bans on hundreds of Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Kishida and several of his predecessors.
As the diplomatic rift deepens, the impact on Japanese businesses operating in Russia remains a critical concern. The Japanese government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the activities and rights of its companies abroad, amidst an increasingly challenging international landscape.