Russia has announced a permanent entry ban on nine Japanese citizens, a move that comes in response to Japan’s sanctions over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry published the list on Monday, highlighting yet another diplomatic strain between the two nations.
Among those barred from entering Russia are Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwai, Shinsuke Minami, the president and representative director of carmaker Isuzu, and Shohei Hara, senior vice president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
This isn’t the first time Moscow has imposed such restrictions on Japanese officials and business leaders. In July 2024, Russia enacted a similar ban on 13 Japanese nationals, including the chairman of Toyota Motor, drawing protests from Tokyo.
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Banning foreign nationals has become a standard response from Russia against countries imposing sanctions or criticizing its military actions in Ukraine. Similar blacklists exist for multiple nations, including the United States and Canada, with hundreds of individuals restricted from entry.
Japan has consistently opposed these bans, arguing that such measures only serve to escalate tensions. While Tokyo has not indicated any immediate countermeasures, the ongoing diplomatic friction between Japan and Russia suggests that further developments could follow.
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