Japanese government shocked by detention of Japanese journalist in Russia, rushing to gather information

The Japanese government was busy gathering information and taking action on the 14th after a Hokkaido Shimbun reporter was detained by Russian authorities on suspicion of espionage. It is certain that the deterioration in relations between the two countries, which has continued since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will accelerate, and shock will spread throughout the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some believe that Russia's aim is to use this as a diplomatic card, and the government is concerned that the situation will be prolonged.

"I realized it after receiving the announcement." At a press conference on the morning of the 14th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara had no choice but to admit that the detention of journalists was a ``no surprise''. ``I have requested humane consideration and fair and impartial treatment,'' he explained, but when asked about the reporter's health, he said, ``I am unable to contact him at this time.''

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Director-General for Europe, Hitoshi Nakamura, summoned Russia's Ambassador to Japan Nozdrev to the ministry and protested. He called on them to quickly set up opportunities to contact reporters.

Video released by Russia's Federal Security Service shows the reporter being pinned to the floor and having his hands handcuffed behind his back. A senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, ``I've never seen anyone treated this badly before,'' while another official expressed his shock, saying, ``It's terrible.''