Japan demands reversal of JTI assets being placed under external administration in Russia

Protest after the decree

Japan has lodged a protest with the Russian government after the assets of Japan Tobacco International were placed under temporary administration, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said, as reported by Nikkei citing her remarks. According to her, Tokyo has consistently urged Moscow not to allow infringements on the legitimate interests of Japanese citizens and companies; the protest and the demand to urgently take measures, including reversing the decision, were conveyed through diplomatic and other channels.

What preceded it

The trigger was a decree by Russian President Vladimir Putin dated November 5, transferring Japan Tobacco Inc.'s stakes in Russian production facilities to the external administration of JSC Industrial Assets. The company, which produces Winston and Camel cigarettes, had already previously responded to the transfer of its assets in Russia.

Diplomatic steps

To resolve the situation, Deputy Economy Minister Katsuki Arai, Deputy Head of the European Department of Japan's Foreign Ministry Tomoaki Ishigakki, and other Japanese officials traveled to Russia — their task was described as securing the reversal of the decision to place the company under temporary administration. The Russian side's reaction to the protest and the outcomes of the delegation's visit have not yet been reported in available publications.