Japan government confirms release of national detained in Iran News
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Japan government confirms release of national detained in Iran

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed Monday that one of two Japanese nationals detained in Iran has safely returned to the country. The individual, who had been held by Iranian authorities since last year, arrived in the country Sunday in good health.

The confirmation followed an announcement by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who stated Sunday that the release was secured Wednesday after repeated petitions were made to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The Japanese government has not officially identified the individual involved.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the detentions earlier this month, noting that the two cases involved individuals detained at different times—one in 2025 and the other in January of this year. Although the ministry has confirmed both individuals remained in good health during their respective periods of custody, officials have declined to provide further details regarding the specific legal charges or whether the two cases are substantively related.

Regarding the Japanese national who remains in custody, reported to be NHK journalist Shinnosuke Kawashima, Kihara stated:

We have confirmed that there is no problem with the safety and health of the person. The government of Japan is continuing to press Iran for a release as soon as possible. We are working to win an early release while communicating with the family and other concerned parties.

The release marks a significant development in diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Tehran. However, the continued detention of Kawashima remains a point of international concern for press freedom advocacy groups.

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