Japan Demands Russia Return Seized Tobacco Assets

Japan has formally demanded that Russia reverse its seizure of Japan Tobacco units in the country, escalating a dispute over corporate assets. The Japanese government lodged the protest after Russian authorities took control of the local operations of Japan Tobacco, one of the world's largest tobacco companies. Tokyo called the move unacceptable and urged Moscow to restore the company's rightful position. The seizure adds new strain to already tense relations between the two countries. Japan Tobacco has not yet commented publicly on the action.