Tokyo: The Japanese government announced plans to close all six of its economic centers in Russia, a decision stemming from deteriorating relations following Russia's military actions in Ukraine. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi highlighted that the Japan Centers have completed their intended roles amidst the changing dynamics between the two nations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the closure decision was influenced by Russia's unilateral action in January, suspending the memorandum of understanding regarding these centers. An inspection by the Russian Internal Affairs Ministry took place at the Vladivostok Center in late July and August, as reported by Hayashi.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry communicated the closure decision to Russia on August 27 through diplomatic channels. Established initially in 1994, the Japan Centers in Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Nizhny Novgorod were aimed at facilitating economic relations and training personnel in economic collaboration between Japan and Russia.