In Japan, they declared a misunderstanding of the mechanism for paying for Russian gas in rubles

The Japanese authorities do not yet understand how Russia's demand to pay for gas in rubles in settlements with unfriendly countries will be met, Finance Minister Shun'ichi Suzuki said.

“We are studying the situation with the relevant departments, because we do not understand what the intention of the Russian side is and how it will be implemented,” Reuters quoted him as saying.

Suzuki added that the Japanese government will closely monitor the "collateral impact" of sanctions on the country's economy and take appropriate steps in coordination with the G7 countries and the international community.

In 2021, Japan accounted for 4.1% of Russian oil exports and 7.2% of natural gas exports, according to Reuters. After Japan imposed sanctions against Russia , Moscow included the country in the list of unfriendly states. In this list, it is located along with the countries of the European Union, the USA , Canada, Great Britain and others.