Japan cannot necessarily follow the NATO trend of snubbing anything Russian related. Japan is a rather small country and has learned the hard way not to rely on other governments for most of your protection or needed fuels. Germany may be about to learn the same thing.
With oil at $110/barrel, discounted Russian oil despite EU “embargos” will find a market. The Russians will continue to take in huge amounts of hard currency to buttress their economy despite the sanctions. In fact they will also make a fortune on grain exports over the next three years.
A wise move on Japan’s part… things change and the “atmosphere” will be different in the future. Never make PANICKED financial moves.
Japan should get together with Russia and invade China.... : )