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.