TOKYO — Japan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Friday that a second Japanese citizen has been detained in Iran, escalating diplomatic concerns between the two nations. The ministry has formally demanded the immediate release of both detained individuals while confirming their safety and well-being.
Government officials revealed that the second detention occurred prior to the February 28 military strikes on Iran conducted by the United States and Israel. While maintaining the detainee’s safety, Japanese authorities declined to provide specific details regarding the timing of detention or potential connections to the earlier case involving a Japanese journalist.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi addressed the situation during a parliamentary session, confirming that diplomatic channels have established contact with both detainees following the recent military actions. “The government is implementing comprehensive measures to support them, their families, and all affected parties,” Motegi stated, emphasizing Japan’s commitment to resolving the situation through diplomatic means.
The minister further disclosed that during a meeting with Iran’s ambassador this week, he explicitly emphasized the critical importance of protecting the detainees and securing their prompt release.
International press freedom organizations have identified the first detainee as Shinnosuke Kawashima, Tehran bureau chief for Japan’s public broadcaster NHK. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Kawashima was arrested on January 20 by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and subsequently transferred to Evin Prison on February 23. The CPJ has joined Japan in calling for the immediate release of all journalists detained for their professional activities.