Russia has permanently banned nine Japanese citizens from entering the country, according to a list published by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday. The ministry stated that this decision was in retaliation for Japan’s sanctions against Russia in connection with the conflict in Ukraine.
Notable figures on the list include Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwai, Shinsuke Minami—the president and representative director of carmaker Isuzu—and Shohei Hara, the senior vice president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
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This move follows similar actions taken in late July 2024, when Russia barred another 13 Japanese nationals, including the chairman of Toyota Motor, a decision that prompted protests from Tokyo.
Such entry bans for foreigners are a common measure used by Moscow in response to sanctions or other forms of opposition to its military actions in Ukraine. Similar lists have been issued for other countries, including the US and Canada, and often contain hundreds of names.
