What we know
What we know: Japan protests Russian takeover of Japan Tobacco subsidiaries in Russia
Compiled Nov 6
What we know
- Russia placed four subsidiaries of Japan Tobacco Inc. under the temporary management of a Russian company by presidential order
- Japan sent senior government officials to Moscow to join the Japanese ambassador in lodging a protest and demanding retraction of the measure
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed the Japanese government is aware of Putin's order
- Tensions between Japan and Russia have risen since Putin visited Iturup, one of four Russian-controlled islands Japan also claims, in August
- A Japanese journalist was arrested in Russia in mid-October on suspicion of spying, and consulate officials later met him and confirmed he was in good health
- Japan's Finance Ministry holds a 37.55% stake in Japan Tobacco
What we don’t know yet
- Japan Tobacco said it was still gathering more information about the takeover
- Japan Tobacco said it was still considering its response
- Japan Tobacco said it was still assessing the potential impact on the group
Open questions
- Which Russian company has been given temporary management of the Japan Tobacco subsidiaries?
- Will Russia respond to Japan's demand to withdraw the measure?
- What specific response or action will Japan Tobacco take?
- Could more Japanese companies in Russia face similar measures?
Drawn from the Associated Press report. “What we don’t know” lists only what the reporting itself flags as unresolved.