Japan slaps new sanctions on Russia and groups in other nations that allegedly helped it evade bans

The Japanese cabinet approved additional sanctions against Russia on Friday in response to its war in Ukraine. These measures include freezing the assets of dozens of individuals and groups, as well as banning the export of goods to dozens of Russian organizations and some entities in other countries suspected of helping Russia evade sanctions. This move demonstrates Japan's commitment to the Group of Seven (G7) in strengthening sanctions against Russia.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that the approved additional sanctions demonstrate Japan's commitment to the G7's efforts to strengthen sanctions against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Japan had previously implemented multiple rounds of sanctions. This action follows Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's reaffirmation of the country's policy at an online G7 summit in mid-December, after Russia strengthened its cooperation with North Korea and used third countries to evade sanctions.

“This is Japan’s contribution as a member of the international community to achieve global peace and resolve the Ukraine issue caused by the Russian invasion,” said Hayashi. According to a joint statement from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Ministry of Finance, 11 individuals, 29 organizations, and 3 banks from Russia, as well as a North Korean trading company executive and a Georgian bank suspected of helping evade sanctions, were added to the asset freeze list.

The cabinet also approved a comprehensive export ban on 22 Russian organizations, including those with military ties, as well as technology and machinery manufacturers. Furthermore, export restrictions will apply to 31 non-Russian organizations that the government claims are helping Russia divert restricted goods and evade sanctions, including 11 in Hong Kong, 7 in mainland China, 8 in Turkey, 2 in Kyrgyzstan, and organizations in Thailand, the UAE, and Kazakhstan respectively.

In addition, the cabinet approved a list of 335 items banned for export to Russia, which will take effect on January 23. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the list includes construction vehicle engines and parts, electric bicycles, communication and acoustic equipment, as well as machine tools and valves. These additional sanctions and export restrictions align with G7 efforts to prevent Russia from evading sanctions with the help of third countries and include a ban on exporting materials that could help strengthen Russia's industrial base.

Japan has been working closely with the G7 to impose sanctions on Russia and support Ukraine, while also increasingly focusing on the impact of the war on Asia. In Asia, China threatens to use force to control Taiwan.