Russia Bans Entry of 30 More Japanese Nationals

Tokyo, Nov. 12 (Jiji Press)–Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that it has banned 30 more Japanese nationals from entering the country indefinitely. The measure is retaliation against Japan’s sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. It was Moscow’s first decision to ban Japanese nationals from entering Russia since the inauguration of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last month. Russia last made such a decision in March. The 30 Japanese individuals include Foreign Ministry spokesman Toshihiro Kitamura and researchers such as University of Tokyo associate professor Yu Koizumi, Hokkaido University professor Akihiro Iwashita, Keio University professor Yoko Hirose and Takushoku University visiting professor Kenro Nagoshi. Also among the new targets are members of the press, including senior journalists at national newspapers such as major business daily Nikkei, as well as past correspondents in Moscow. Takashi Hirano, editor at Ukraine’s national news agency Ukrinform, is also on the list. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Wednesday that the entry ban is regrettable and that Tokyo has lodged a protest to Russia through diplomatic channels. “Japan’s measures (against Russia) were all taken due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, and shifting the blame to Japan is totally unacceptable,” the top government spokesman told a press conference, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]