Japanese media reported the government is considering replacing its ambassador
to Russia before year-end and will formalize the move at an upcoming Cabinet
meeting, proposing former foreign ministry European Affairs bureau chief Hideki
Uyama as the new envoy. Incumbent Akira Muto was appointed in October 2023 and
took up the post in December; ambassadorial terms are typically three years. The
report gave no reason. Tokyo–Moscow ties have deteriorated: Russia arrested a
Japanese journalist in October and earlier this month temporarily seized assets
of seven Russia-based companies owned by Japan Tobacco, prompting Japanese
protests. Moscow has repeatedly summoned Ambassador Muto to protest Japanese
firms’ investments in Ukraine and comments by politicians Sanae Takaichi and
Toshimitsu Motegi regarding Putin’s landing on Iturup.
