Japan cannot accept Russia's scrapping of education centers: gov't

Hayashi said Moscow's announcement regarding the operation of "Japan Centers" runs counter to efforts to promote mutual understanding between the two countries' businesses and citizens, even as bilateral ties remain strained since Russia launched its full-fledged invasion of Ukraine almost three years ago. Ending the implementation of the agreements unilaterally is "unacceptable," Hayashi, the top government spokesman, said at a regular press briefing, adding that Japan will confirm necessary details with Russia on the issue. Since Russia invaded its neighbor Ukraine in February 2022, Japan has imposed a series of economic sanctions in coordination with the other Group of Seven nations, namely the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Italy.