Fuji TV reported at noon that Prime Minister Kishida stressed at the Diet this morning that the GOJ will take all possible measures to minimize the impact of sanctions against Russia on the people of Japan. When asked about the significance of Japan’s economic sanctions against Russia, Kishida said: “Although we cannot avoid various impacts on the people of Japan and Japanese companies, I would like to seek the nation’s understanding for the importance of taking measures to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine for the greater purpose (of protecting the foundation of international order).”

Concerning Russia’s attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station in Enerhodar, Ukraine, Kishida said: “For Japan, which experienced the Fukushima nuclear accident, this outrageous act can never be condoned.”

Meanwhile, concerning the close military ties between Russia and China, Kishida reportedly stressed that “any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force as seen in Ukraine cannot be tolerated, especially in East Asia,” and said Japan “will call on China to act responsibly.”