All six “Japan Centers” in Russia to be closed… Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi acknowledges that the deterioration of Japan-Russia relations is behind the closure

On the 10th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi announced at a press conference the government had decided to close all six "Japan Centers," which are responsible for human resource development through Japanese language education in six cities in Russia. Regarding the reason for the closures, he said, "We made a comprehensive decision amid significant changes in the situation surrounding Japan-Russia relations," indicating that he recognized the deterioration of Japan-Russia relations as a factor behind the closures.