Japan imposes sanctions on 398 more Russian individuals, 28 organizations

The Cabinet of Japan on Tuesday approved additional sanctions against Russia, freezing the assets of 398 Russian individuals, Report informs via the Japan Times.

The Cabinet also approved an import ban on 38 items, including vodka and other liquors, electric machinery and lumber, effective April 19. The latest annual imports of these items add up to ¥16 billion, accounting for about 1.1% of total imports from Russia, according to the government.

The fresh sanctions that are in step with punitive measures taken by the United States and the European Union include freezing assets of 28 more Russian organizations such as those related to military business and two more lenders, Sberbank and Alfa Bank. The measure for the banks will be implemented on May 12.

The Japanese government will also prohibit Japanese individuals and companies to make any new investments in Russia.

The total number of Russian individuals including military personnel and lawmakers subject to asset freezes by Japanese authorities reached 499.

The new sanctions were announced after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday that Japan would phase out Russian coal imports in a major shift toward cutting its reliance on a nation facing renewed condemnation for its invasion of Ukraine and alleged atrocities.