Japan Protests Russia's Transfer of Japan Tobacco International Assets
Japan has formally protested Russia's decision to transfer the Russian assets of Japan Tobacco International (JTI) to temporary management. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged the protest with Russian Ambassador to Tokyo Nikolai Nozdryov on November 6, 2026. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama publicly stated that Tokyo has urged Moscow to reverse this decision, emphasizing Japan's repeated demands for Russia to protect the legitimate interests of Japanese citizens and businesses. The transfer, enacted by a decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 5, places JTI's tobacco factories in Rostov-on-Don, Yelets, and St. Petersburg under the temporary management of the joint-stock company 'Industrial Assets.' The St. Petersburg facility is particularly significant, having reported a substantial increase in revenue and net profit in 2023.
