Japan Demands Release of Detained Journalist in Iran

The Japanese government on Wednesday urged the immediate release of a Japanese national who has been held in Iran for over a month, amid growing concern for his safety. Authorities, however, have refrained from disclosing further details about the circumstances surrounding the detention.

Speaking to reporters, Masanao Ozaki, Secretary to the Cabinet, confirmed that the individual was taken into custody on 20 January. “The government is maintaining contact with both the family and the relevant Iranian authorities,” he said. Ozaki declined to reveal the detainee’s identity or any additional information about the case.

Earlier reports by Radio Free Europe suggested that Shinosuke Kawashima, the head of NHK’s Tehran bureau, had been arrested and transferred to a Tehran prison. NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, has neither confirmed nor denied whether any of its staff members are currently detained.

A spokesperson for NHK stated:

“At NHK, the safety and security of our staff is always our top priority. At this stage, we have no comment to make.”

According to NHK World’s website, Kawashima is an international affairs correspondent who previously served as bureau chief in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 2017. His professional profile on LinkedIn indicates that he joined NHK in 2005, building a career spanning nearly two decades in journalism.

The incident has sparked concerns over press freedom and the safety of foreign journalists in Iran, a country where media operations remain tightly controlled and foreign correspondents face heightened scrutiny. International observers have called for transparency regarding his detention, emphasising the need for due process and humane treatment.

The following table summarises key information about the detained journalist:

The Japanese government’s call for Kawashima’s release reflects a broader diplomatic effort to protect its citizens abroad. Analysts suggest that behind-the-scenes negotiations are likely ongoing, given the delicate nature of Japan–Iran relations and the potential international ramifications of the case.