TOKYO, March 19. /ITAR-TASS/. Japan’s Itochu Corporation has voiced concern over the fact that the situation in Crimea can have an impact on economic relations with Russia.

“Japan and Russia cooperate closely in many different fields. The countries cannot choose another way within global economy. I hope that the existing problems will be settled on any stage,” chairman of Itochu Corporation board of directors Eizo Kobayashi told a news conference on Wednesday.

Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he intended to study measures to impose additional sanctions against Russia due to the signing of the treaty of the accession of Crimea and Sevastopol.

On Tuesday, March 18, Japan suspended consultations to ease visa formalities and froze the talks on several bilateral agreements. “These measures have no practical impact on Japan’s economy,” Minister For Economic and Fiscal Policy Akira Amari said.

The Japanese National Security Council led by Premier Abe is resolving an issue jointly with the USA and other G7 countries to impose additional sanctions due to Crimea’s accession to Russia.

In the meantime, Japan avoids the term “sanctions”, but condemns Russia’s actions.

“Japanese businessmen express concern over prospects for toughening measures towards Russia,” Nikkei Business Daily writes.