Russia and Japan Tobacco: a new source of tension in relations with Japan.
Asian Analytics Portal published an expert commentary by Valery Kistanov, Head of the Center for Japan Studies at ICSA RAS, on the transfer of assets to Japan Tobacco Inc. under the temporary management of a Russian company. Japan Tobacco Inc. It is one of the few large Japanese corporations that has maintained a presence in the Russian market.
The introduction of temporary management does not indicate a change of owner or sale of the business. On the Russian side, this step is carried out within the current legislation. In Japan, the decision caused concern: Tokyo fears that it could set a precedent for other foreign companies operating in Russia and affect the economic interests of Japanese businesses. Japanese analysts also tie the situation to the broader context of bilateral relations and sanctions policy.
The development of the situation is also considered in a geopolitical context. In particular, Japanese experts draw attention to the change in Moscow's approaches to relations with Tokyo against the background of the more conciliatory rhetoric of US President Donald Trump and the preparation of a tripartite summit between Russia, the US and China.
Read more in the material on the Asian Analytics Portal.