Japan's new ambassador to Russia says Tokyo will expand cultural exchanges with Moscow while maintaining sanctions on it over Ukraine.

Ambassador Muto Akira held a news conference in Moscow on Wednesday for the first time since he started his duty in Russia in December.

He said Japan and Western countries should maintain their unity in imposing sanctions against Russia.

He said it is natural for Japan to adhere to the policy of settling a territorial issue and signing a peace treaty with Russia.

Japan claims four northern islands that are controlled by Russia. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says the islands were illegally occupied after World War Two.

Muto said that to reach this goal, he believes it will be necessary to promote mutual understanding through dialogue with Russia.

He indicated that Tokyo will expand its cultural exchange programs this year. He said cultural exchanges and interactions, mainly among young people, are important.

Among the cultural exchange programs suspended following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Japan has already resumed accepting students under government scholarships and young researchers from Russia.

Muto said that this year, Tokyo plans to invite teachers and learners of the Japanese language to Japan and hold exhibitions and events to show movies in Russia.

The ambassador said he believes it is necessary to change the way of thinking about what can be done amid the prolonged war.