The Japanese government plans to work with G20 countries that currently hold a neutral position on Russia in light of the events in Ukraine to encourage them to introduce anti-Russian sanctions, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference.

"To expand the effectiveness of sanctions, Japan intends to continue to develop the necessary measures together with the world community, primarily with the G7 countries. As part of the G20 format, we intend to try to encourage countries that are now neutral," the minister said.

So far, Japan has introduced several packages of sanctions against Russia.