Japan asks Russia to reverse decree affecting Japan Tobacco
Tokyo lodged a protest after Russia placed stakes in four local companies in the group under temporary management.
Japan asked Russia to reverse a decree covering stakes held by Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in four companies in Russia. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said on 6 November that Tokyo had protested through diplomatic channels, according to Reuters. Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa said Japanese officials had urged Russia to withdraw the measure immediately.
What the decree says
Russian presidential decree No. 817 of 5 November 2026 adds stakes in Donskoy Tabak, JTI Yelets, Cres Neva and Petro to the list of assets under temporary management. It names Russian company Industrial Assets as the manager and takes effect upon official publication. The decree identifies who will manage the stakes and specifies neither a transfer of ownership nor an expiry date for the measure.
JTI told Reuters it was assessing the situation and its options, with employees and other stakeholders as its priority. Japan has asked Russia to reverse the measure; Russia had announced no reversal as of publication.
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