Japan to Send Officials to Moscow to Protect Corporate Assets Amid Sanctions

Japan will dispatch senior officials to Moscow in late May 2026 to maintain state-level contacts and assist Japanese firms still operating in Russia. METI will coordinate the trip with the companies, and business representatives may accompany the delegation. The government stresses the mission’s sole aim is asset protection, not new economic cooperation.

Japan may send government officials to the Russian Federation in late May to maintain contacts with Moscow

Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Japan has joined G7 sanctions, restricting trade and investment. The U.S.–Israeli war with Iran disrupted Gulf oil imports, prompting Tokyo to secure alternative crude. In April 2026 Japan secured oil equal to over 20 % of the prior year’s imports; for May it signed contracts for about 1.4 million barrels per day, roughly 60 % of 2025 volumes. The policy on Russian crude, including Sakhalin-2 purchases, remains unchanged.

ReutersJapan may send government officials to the Russian Federation in late May to maintain contacts with Moscow

Minister Ryosei Akazawa leads METI’s outreach, while the ministry maintains state-level dialogue with Moscow. Both the ministry and the G7 coordinate Japan’s sanctions policy.

Reuters

Japan’s alternative-crude procurement covers >20 % of prior-year imports, with 1.4 million barrels per day secured for May, about 60 % of 2025 volumes. Protecting corporate assets in Russia is essential to avoid financial losses under sanctions.

Reuters

The delegation shows Japan’s effort to balance G7-aligned sanctions supporting Ukraine with safeguarding its businesses in a sanctioned market. Ongoing dialogue may warn of regulatory shifts affecting Japanese investments.

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Tokyo reaffirmed its commitment to G7-coordinated sanctions, denied any plan for new cooperation with Russia, and emphasized protecting corporate assets. The ministry also confirmed Japan’s Russian crude import policy remains unchanged.

Reuters

Some media suggested the visit could signal post-war economic engagement with Russia. Japanese officials rejected this, stressing the current geopolitical climate precludes new cooperation.

Reuters

Official statements focus on asset protection, while other outlets hinted at broader economic talks. No details have been released about which companies will join or the precise agenda.

Japan may send government officials to the Russian Federation in late May to maintain contacts with Moscow

• “Japan will continue implementing sanctions against Russia in coordination with the G7 and is not in a position to pursue new cooperation with Russia,” — Ryosei Akazawa, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry

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• “On the other hand, it is necessary to take measures to protect the assets of Japanese companies in Russia,” — Ryosei Akazawa

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• “It is necessary to protect the assets of Japanese companies remaining in Russia,” — Japanese Ministry of Trade (statement on X)

Japan may send government officials to the Russian Federation in late May to maintain contacts with Moscow

• “Tokyo also stated that Japan will continue to coordinate its sanctions policy against Russia together with the G7 countries.” — Japanese Ministry of Trade

Japan may send government officials to the Russian Federation in late May to maintain contacts with Moscow

The delegation will arrive in Moscow in late May to meet Russian counterparts on asset-protection measures. Japan will monitor outcomes while maintaining G7-aligned sanctions and expanding alternative crude supplies.

Reuters