Japan introduces more sanctions following deadly missile strikes in Ukraine

Japan has announced further sanctions against Russia following its latest wave of missile attacks in Ukraine, adding goods to an export ban list and freezing the assets of Russian officials and entities as of January 27, 2023.

The decision comes after Russia launched missile attacks in Ukraine killing at least 11 people on Thursday following a pledge by Germany and the United States to supply tanks that could help Ukraine counter any new Russian offensive.

The measures include:

• (1) Asset Freeze measures
  Measures (i) and (ii) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Notice (promulgated on January 27) will come into effect for individuals and entities of the Russian Federation (22 individuals and 3 entities); and individuals considered to be directly involved in the “annexation” of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol or the destabilization of Eastern Part of Ukraine, as well as individuals of eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, who are considered to be directly involved in the purported “incorporation” by Russia (14 individuals)
• (i) Restriction on payment
  A permission system will be applied to payments, etc. to individuals and entities designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Notice.
• (ii) Restriction on capital transactions
  A permission system will be applied to capital transactions (i.e., contract of deposit, trust, and money loan) with the individuals and entities designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Notice.

• (2) Prohibition on exports to specific entities of the Russian Federation
  Prohibition on exports to 49 entities designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Notice (promulgated on January 27) as a specific entity of the Russian Federation will be introduced.

• (3) Prohibition on exports to Russia of dual-use items which could contribute to the development of military capacity and others
  Prohibition on exports to Russia of dual-use items which could contribute to the development of military capacity and others will be additionally introduced.

Further information on the asset freeze measure can be found here:

• (Appendix 1) Individuals and entities of the Russian Federation subject to asset freeze measures (PDF)
• (Appendix 2) Individuals considered to be directly involved in the “annexation” of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol or the destabilization of Eastern Part of Ukraine as well as individuals in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, who are considered to be directly involved in the purported “incorporation” by Russia. (PDF)
• (Appendix 3) Specific entities of the Russian Federation subject to export-related prohibitions (PDF)