Japan protests Russian takeover of Japan Tobacco subsidiaries
Associated Press ·
Japan has protested to Moscow after Russia placed four subsidiaries of Japan Tobacco under temporary Russian management. Japanese officials demand the measure be withdrawn immediately. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Friday that Japan sent senior officials to Moscow to lodge a protest. Tensions between the countries have risen since Russian President Vladimir Putin visited disputed islands in August. The dispute over the Kuril Islands has prevented a peace treaty since World War II. Japan Tobacco is assessing the impact of the takeover. Japan's Economy and Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa said the move follows similar actions against Western companies.