Russia bans entry of 30 Japanese citizens in response to sanctions

MOSCOW - The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday night an indefinite ban on entry to the country for 30 Japanese citizens in response to Japan's continued sanctions against Russia.

According to a statement published on the ministry's website, Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman Toshihiro Kitamura is in the list, with most others coming from Japan's media and academic sectors.

Following the escalation of the Ukraine crisis in 2022, Japan joined the United States in implementing extensive sanctions against Russia. In response, Moscow placed Japan on its list of "unfriendly countries".

Earlier in September, Japan imposed new sanctions on several Russian enterprises and individuals.