06.11.2026 20:41
Russian President Vladimir Putin's transfer of the Japanese tobacco company's assets in the country to the temporary management of a Russian company has drawn Tokyo's reaction. The Japanese government demanded that the decision be immediately reversed, while announcing that it would closely follow developments and take the necessary steps.
Japan protested Russia's decision to transfer the Russian assets of Japanese tobacco company Japan Tobacco International (JTI) to the temporary management of a Russian company called "Promyshlennye Aktivy."
According to state television NHK, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru made statements regarding Russia's relevant decision.
"IF IT IS NOT WITHDRAWN IMMEDIATELY, WE WILL INTERVENE"
Kihara, stating that they protested Russia's decision to transfer JTI's assets in the country to the temporary management of a Russian company, noted that they demand the immediate withdrawal of this decision.
Kihara also added that the government will continue to closely monitor the situation and will intervene accordingly.
RUSSIA HAD TRANSFERRED JTI'S ASSETS IN THE COUNTRY TO TEMPORARY MANAGEMENT
Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday transferred the Russian assets of Japanese tobacco company Japan Tobacco International (JTI) to the temporary management of a Russian company called "Promyshlennye Aktivy."
JTI, the owner of the assets transferred to temporary management, operates in Russia with brands such as Winston, Camel, LD and Sobranie. The company has 4 factories and approximately 4,000 employees in the country.
With the decree that came into force in Russia in April 2023, the way was opened for the transfer of assets in the country of some foreign companies to temporary management in response to sanctions by Western countries.
RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES ARE TENSE
Relations between the two countries had recently become tense due to incidents such as the detention of a Japanese journalist working in Russia on suspicion of "espionage" and Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands, which are a subject of dispute between the two countries.