Relations between Japan and Russia — from diplomacy to business — are quickly growing fragile as Tokyo joins Western countries in putting pressure on Moscow, including by imposing sanctions.
On Tuesday, Japan announced a fresh package of sanctions, freezing the assets of an additional 32 Russian and Belarusian officials and oligarchs as well as 12 organizations from the two countries.
The latest list of names includes Alexey Gromov and Sergei Kiriyenko — both first deputy chiefs of staff in Russian President Vladimir Putin's administration — as well as deputy chairmen of the state parliament.