The Japanese Government is considering the possibility of introducing a new package of sanctions against Russia, which may include restrictions on vessels belonging to the so-called ‘shadow fleet’, as well as a further tightening of export controls.
This was reported on 2 October by the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, citing several government officials.
According to the newspaper, Tokyo is considering joining the effort to further increase sanctions pressure on Russia against the backdrop of new restrictions being imposed by European countries.
One of the main focuses of the new package could be vessels belonging to Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, which are used to transport oil and petroleum products in circumvention of Western sanctions.
The Japanese government is also considering expanding the list of goods whose export to Russia is prohibited or restricted, as well as further strengthening export control mechanisms.
The final details of the new package and the date of its introduction have not yet been officially announced.
As of 2 October, the new package had not yet been published in the Japanese Ministry of Finance’s official list of current sanctions. Nor has any relevant decision yet been announced by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The last major package of additional Japanese sanctions in connection with the war in Ukraine was announced on 12 September 2025.
At that time, Japan imposed an asset freeze on 47 Russian organisations and nine individuals. Restrictions were also imposed on five individuals and one organisation whom the Japanese authorities link to the annexation of Crimea, the destabilisation of eastern Ukraine and the Russian occupation of Ukrainian territories.
In addition, three organisations from third countries were subject to the restrictions.
The package provided not only for the freezing of assets but also for the extension of export restrictions. Japan has banned supplies to certain Russian organisations and companies from third countries which, according to the Japanese authorities, are linked to the Russian military-industrial complex or are helping to circumvent the restrictions.
Thus, should the new package be adopted, it would mark the first significant expansion of Japanese sanctions against Russia in over a year.
A particular focus on the ‘shadow fleet’ would signify a further alignment of Japan’s sanctions regime with the approach taken by the EU, the UK and other G7 countries, which in recent years have been actively imposing restrictions on vessels involved in the transport of Russian energy resources.
At the same time, Japan maintains a special position regarding Russian energy resources. The country continues to import LNG from the ‘Sakhalin-2’ project, viewing these supplies as a vital component of its own energy security.
The official list of Japan’s current sanctions has been published by the country’s Ministry of Finance. The new restrictions will come into force following the adoption of a relevant decision by the government and the publication of the documents required under Japanese law.