Following the Russian government's placement of local JT-related companies under temporary administration, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa Ryosei (赤沢亮正) has protested several times and called for the measure to be withdrawn. A total of 116 companies are currently said to have bases in Russia, and other companies may also be targeted in the future.
The Russian government placed subsidiaries and affiliates of Japan Tobacco under temporary administration, and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa Ryosei (赤沢亮正) indicated his intention to protest.
Minister Akazawa said the measure would increase uncertainty in the business environment for Japanese companies operating in Russia, and stated that he had protested several times and called for the measure to be withdrawn. He disclosed that 116 Japanese companies had bases in Russia as of April this year. He also said that the possibility of other companies being targeted would be undesirable for both countries.
A senior official of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry had also visited Russia to address the matter, but Minister Akazawa explained that the official had already returned to Japan and stressed that the visits had been regular visits to protect assets.