International relationsMove comes despite worries that Moscow could leverage Russian energy suppliesJapanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, right, protested the Aug. 13 visit to one of the southern Kuril Islands by Russian President Vladimir Putin, left. But Japan did not impose new sanctions on Russia until Oct. 2. (Source photos by Sputnik and Nikkei)October 3, 2026 01:23 JSTTOKYO -- Japan moved to impose new sanctions on Russia on Friday, targeting Moscow's efforts to evade Western restrictions on its energy exports by banning the provision of such services as repairs, insurance and financing to 35 vessels in the Russian "shadow fleet."