TOKYO, October 2. /TASS/. Japan is currently not considering new sanctions against Russia and is focused only on extending the existing restrictions, Muneo Suzuki, a member of the upper house of parliament from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, told TASS.

"As far as I know, there are no specific new measures at present. The focus is on extending the existing economic sanctions, in particular, the asset freeze. This is a continuation of current measures; nothing new is being introduced," Suzuki, considered an unofficial adviser to several heads of governments on Russian issues, said, commenting on a report by the Yomiuri newspaper about possible new sanctions against Moscow.

Suzuki, who has repeatedly discussed sanctions with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, said that the extension of the freeze on Russian citizens’ assets in Japan is "a message addressed to the foreign audience," since "in reality, there are no Russian citizens who have assets in Japan."

The Yomiuri quoted government sources as saying that the cabinet is considering new sanctions against Russia, which could affect the so·called shadow fleet, expand export restrictions, and tighten export controls.