According to a TASS report on July 23, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova pointed out at the Lake Senezh New Media Festival that Japan has fallen into an economic crisis due to sanctions against Russia. Zakharova described Japans current economic situation as a horror movie and emphasized that Japans actions in international affairs are entirely dictated by Washington.

She noted Japans sanction measures primarily follow US directives on international issues, severely impacting its economy. Zakharova said Chinese cars have gained market share in Russia, directly linked to Japans sanctions. Japans sanctions led to China replacing its position in the Russian market, to which Russia has responded accordingly.

Japans economic horror movie scenario

Zakharova further noted that due to the Japanese governments decisions, the country faces severe economic challenges. She described Japans economic condition as a horror movie, a predicament of its own making. She stated: How Japan will overcome this crisis, I cant even tell you, because its a horror movie—they brought this upon themselves.

This vivid metaphor underscores Japans dire economic situation from sanctioning Russia, highlighting policy miscalculations.

Future market prospects

Given Japans actions, Zakharova believes Japan cannot return to the Russian market at previous scales. She noted Japan has never pursued independent foreign policy post-WWII, always constrained by external forces, especially the US, hindering its ability to act in national interests internationally.

Zakharova said: Throughout their post-WWII history, they have never been able to pursue an independent foreign policy aligned with national interests. Her remarks highlighted Japans historical lack of autonomous foreign policy and suggested this would have long-term negative impacts on its international economic cooperation.

Japans position in the UN Security Council

Zakharova also questioned Japans qualifications for a UN Security Council permanent seat. She argued that only countries with independent foreign policies can apply for a permanent seat with veto power and full privileges. She concluded: To apply for a UN Security Council permanent seat with veto power and full privileges, you need an independent foreign policy. Does Japan have one? Of course not. Japan lacks an independent foreign policy.