Japan sent government officials and business representatives to Russia last month despite ongoing G7 sanctions. Senior officials from Japan's foreign and trade ministries, accompanied by executives from the Japan Business Federation, met counterparts at Russia's economic development and industry ministries during a two-day visit beginning May 26. According to FinancialPost.com, Masayoshi Arai and Masaki Ishikawa are currently in Russia and are scheduled to meet Russian government officials and other relevant parties. Japanese Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa said the talks in Russia are part of a series of visits that have taken place since the war in Ukraine began, and he minimized the importance of the talks with Russia. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi defended the contacts with Russia, according to Mainichi.jp. However, diplomatic sources said concerns exist that closer ties with Russia could undermine Japan's commitment to a 'free and open Indo-Pacific' based on the rule of law, and one government official called Japan's contacts with Russia the 'wrong message' to the international community, according to Mainichi.jp. Carnegie Endowment reported that Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with North Korea, and Japan views Russia's partnership with North Korea as aligning Russia with a threat to Japan. Takaichi Sanae took over as Japanese leader on October 21 and is a woman, according to Carnegie Endowment. In June 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump failed to recall the name of then Japanese prime minister Ishiba Shigeru, calling him 'Mr. Japan', according to Carnegie Endowment.