TOKYO - Japan has confirmed that a Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper reporter detained in Russia since October 13 is in good health following his first consular visit, with the government reiterating its demand for his immediate release.
The Foreign Ministry announced on October 27 that officials from the Japanese Embassy in Russia had met with the detained male journalist, marking the first direct consular contact since Russian authorities took him into custody earlier this month.
According to the ministry, embassy officials confirmed that the reporter was eating properly and had no apparent health problems. The visit provided Japan with its first opportunity to directly assess his condition since his detention.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the Japanese government would continue pressing Russian authorities for his release through all available diplomatic channels.
"We will continue to take every opportunity to strongly convey Japan's position to Russia on this matter, including our demand for his immediate release," Kihara said.
Russian authorities have accused the journalist of espionage, but Japan's Foreign Ministry declined to disclose what the reporter said about the allegations during the consular meeting.
Officials also said that no date had been set for a second visit, leaving uncertainty over when Japanese diplomats would next be able to check on his condition.
Yoko Hirose, a professor at Keio University specializing in Russian politics, warned that the successful consular visit should not be interpreted as progress toward resolving the detention itself.
"The fact that a meeting has taken place once does not mean the issue of his detention has been resolved," Hirose said. "It is necessary to maintain regular contact with him, confirm his health, treatment and access to legal representation, and continue demanding his early release."
Hirose emphasized the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement, particularly in ensuring that the journalist's rights and welfare are protected while he remains in Russian custody.
Hokkaido Shimbun, the newspaper employing the detained journalist, welcomed confirmation that consular officials had been able to meet him but stressed that securing his freedom remained its overriding concern.
"We will continue to respond to this matter with the safety and early release of our reporter as our highest priorities," the company said in a statement.
Although the visit has provided reassurance about the journalist's physical condition, the Foreign Ministry has not announced any agreement with Russian authorities on his release or indicated when further consular access might be granted.
The case remains unresolved, with Japan continuing to seek the reporter's immediate release while monitoring his treatment and access to legal assistance.
Source: TBS
