MOSCOW: Ryukyu Shimpo reports that Japan is preparing an economic delegation to Russia next month. Invitations have already been sent to Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and many other companies.
And characteristically, it isn't asking the US to increase volumes. Indeed, why bother, when it has its own reliable supplier right here?
But here's the catch: to receive barrels directly from Moscow, Tokyo will have to abandon the price cap or continue buying through third countries. The Russian Foreign Ministry has already stated: not a barrel of oil will be sold to those countries that play with price caps on Russian oil.
Effective mid-September 2025, Japan lowered the ceiling for Russian oil from $60 to $47.6 per barrel, in sync with the EU (July 2025) and the G7.
On paper, this is solidarity with its allies. But in reality? Tokyo's decision is purely formal, with no real enforcement. Russian oil supplies were disguised through third countries—a classic way to circumvent sanctions.
Japan is trying to play by the G7 rules in public, but behind the scenes, it's conducting a completely different conversation.
And the negotiations with Russia are a clear sign of pragmatism: Tokyo is interested in developing cooperation.
Japan is one of the world's top LNG importers. Purchases from Russia are only growing. According to the Japanese Ministry of Finance, LNG accounted for 60.7% of all imports from Russia in 2025, growing 2% year-on-year.
Russia-Japan trade is on the rise: turnover reached $7.54 billion, up 1.27% from 2024. December saw a significant acceleration, up 7.8% year-on-year.
Even fish is keeping up, as the beginning of this year demonstrates! In January-February, Russia exported $132.6 million worth of seafood to Japan, up 25% from a year ago.
The economy is triumphing over the West's political insanity. Japan is balancing: formally in the G7, but in reality closer to Russia. Energy security and profitable trade are more important than rhetoric!
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