Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Hagiuda Koichi says Japan will work to reduce reliance on coal imports from Russia in stages, with the goal of eventually phasing them out altogether.

Speaking on Friday, Hagiuda referred to a statement issued after a summit of the leaders of the Group of Seven nations on Thursday. The meeting discussed Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The statement said the leaders will speed up plans to reduce reliance on Russian energy, including efforts at "phasing out and banning Russian coal imports."

Hagiuda noted that Japan has been implementing economic sanctions on Russia in coordination with its G7 partners. But he added that the G7 members have different levels of need for energy imports.

He said Japan will work to find alternative sources while reducing Russian coal imports.

He said the government will closely study the possible impact from reduced Russian imports on domestic businesses and industries that use coal extensively. He added that it will take responsibility for securing alternative coal suppliers and will work to reduce the impact as much as possible.