Japan Protests Russian Entry Bans on Business Executives

Japan has lodged a protest against Russia for imposing entry bans on 13 Japanese business executives, including top figures from Toyota Motor, Rakuten Group, Toyobo Co, and Toray Industries. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi criticized Russia's decision as it would hinder legitimate corporate activities.

Japan lodged an official protest against Russia on Wednesday concerning new restrictions that deny entry to 13 Japanese business executives, including the chairman of Toyota Motor. These measures are part of Russia's counter-sanctions.

The Russian foreign ministry released a statement on Tuesday listing 13 Japanese individuals who would be permanently banned from entering the country. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed that the decision, which hampers legitimate Japanese corporate activities, is entirely unacceptable.

The list also includes prominent business figures such as Rakuten Group founder Hiroshi Mikitani, Toyobo Co President Ikuo Takeuchi, and Toray Industries President Mitsuo Oya.