Japan announced its intention on Wednesday to join Western countries in revoking the most favored nation (MFN) status for Russia as part of its economic sanctions against the country, essentially marginalizing Russia as a trade partner.
The United States, the EU and the United Kingdom have already announced similar moves following a Group of Seven leaders’ statement last Friday that they would "endeavor" to take action to deny the preferred trade status to Russia.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the announcement during a news conference on Wednesday evening, stressing the need to reinforce economic sanctions in line with the G7 statement.