[Japan Imposes Sanctions on Russia, Targeting Groups Using Crypto Assets to Evade Financial Sanctions] According to a report by *Reference News* citing *Nikkei*, the Japanese government has decided during a cabinet meeting to impose additional sanctions on Russia. Japan will, in principle, prohibit providing operational, maintenance, insurance, and financing services to 35 vessels in Russia's 'shadow fleet,' which secretly transports crude oil to evade Western sanctions. In addition to sanctions targeting the 'shadow fleet,' the Japanese government has newly added 33 Russian military-related groups and 9 individuals to its asset freeze list, including groups involved in using crypto assets (virtual currencies) to evade financial sanctions.