Japanese media: Japanese government considering replacing ambassador to Russia within the year

Japanese media reported on the 15th, citing informed sources, that the Japanese government is considering replacing its ambassador to Russia within the year, with a formal decision to be made at a cabinet meeting in the near future, and plans to appoint Hideki Uyama, former director-general of the European Affairs Bureau of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the new ambassador. The current ambassador, Akira Muto, was appointed in October 2023 and assumed his post in Russia in December; the term is typically three years. The report did not mention the reason for the replacement. Japan-Russia relations have continued to deteriorate. In October this year, the Russian side arrested a Japanese journalist, and earlier this month Russia temporarily took over the Russian assets of seven companies under Japan Tobacco, to which Japan lodged a protest; Russia has also summoned Akira Muto multiple times to protest against Japanese companies' investment in Ukraine and remarks by Sanae Takaichi and Toshimitsu Motegi regarding Putin's visit to Iturup Island.