Japan Ukraine response

Opposition parties are calling for Japan to join forces with European countries that have expressed solidarity with Ukraine, but PM Ishiba has maintained a neutral stance.

Moscow doled out permanent entry bans on Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and eight other top officials and business leaders in retaliation for Japanese sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. president praised Japan's growing international clout as the two leaders cemented new areas of cooperation.

Japan’s support for Ukraine demonstrates strong leadership and provides a glimmer of hope amid a divided and increasingly paralyzed Western alliance. 

Japan pledges “unwavering” support to Ukraine amid aid fatigue in the West.

“The fact that the summit took place in Hiroshima in the middle of Russia-Ukraine war (in which Russia has not been hesitant to use nuclear intimidation) was significant.”

The ruling LDP is striving to ease weapon export rules, with Ukraine in mind, but faces pushback from its junior coalition partner. 

Kishida’s biggest achievement thus far may be showing Japan that sitting out on all conflicts is perhaps no longer an option.

As the need for humanitarian aid grew, Japanese citizens continued to send Bogdan Parkhomenko – a Ukrainian with strong ties to Japan – goods and money, asking him to share with those in need. 

Insights from Naoko Aoki.

Japan is eager to cultivate a lasting commitment to Ukraine, but its international clout is limited despite chairing this year’s G-7 Summit. 

Understanding the meaning of the dueling trips requires a closer look at the larger context of China and Japan’s recent international diplomatic efforts. 

While Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Moscow, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio made a surprise visit to Kyiv.

From attempts at flattery and concerted diplomacy in 2014, Tokyo has pivoted to sanctions in lockstep with the rest of the G-7.

After his successful tour of 5 G-7 partners, Japan’s three main challenges are apparent: Russia, China, and nuclear weapons.

Relations between the two nations have reached their lowest point amid further unprecedented Japanese sanctions against Russia.

The case of the Ukrainian refugees, who do not fall into the traditional definition of refugees, could add momentum to efforts to overhaul Japan’s refugee and immigration policies.

Japan's prime minister stressed that Russia and China pose similar threats to the rules-based international order.

Kishida’s response to the war in Ukraine has been surprisingly robust.

Insights from Jeffrey Hornung.

Is the war in Ukraine creating a Japanese Zeitenwende? It might be up to Prime Minister Kishida.

Prime Minister Kishida has moved forward with sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. So far the public is willing to shoulder the economic burden.  

Japan’s willingness to embrace Ukrainian refugees stems from its hierarchical view of the world and its economic-first view of migrants.

Tokyo is taking a greater role in the international effort against Russia's invasion of Ukraine because of concerns about its impact on East Asia, where China's military has grown increasingly assertive.