(MENAFN) A fresh survey from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) reveals that most Japanese enterprises active in Russia have no intention of departing, even as sanctions-related difficulties persist.

While numerous U.S., European, and Asian corporations have reduced their presence or exited the Russian market since 2022 due to Western restrictions tied to the Ukraine conflict—often citing image-related worries or apprehension over “secondary sanctions”—Japanese firms have largely chosen a different course.

Japan has aligned with these measures but has also retained its investments in major energy ventures.

According to JETRO, merely 4% of Japanese businesses with Russian offices have completely pulled out.

The report, issued on Tuesday, indicates that 76% of Japanese firms in Russia aim to “maintain the status quo” throughout the next two years, a notable rise from 57% in 2024.

Meanwhile, the proportion intending to contract operations, relocate, or exit has fallen sharply from 37.9% last year to 18%. JETRO noted that the “trend of downsizing and withdrawing” that emerged in 2022 “is calming down.”

Companies choosing to remain primarily referenced expectations of a better geopolitical environment (64%), stressing that various sectors remain untouched by sanctions and highlighting Russia’s promising long-term market prospects.

Still, nearly 98% of respondents acknowledged experiencing effects from the sanctions and Russia’s subsequent countermeasures on their business activities.

The survey was carried out in September 2025 and included responses from 50 Japanese companies functioning within Russia.

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