Tokyo, Oct. 14 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government scrambled to gather information Wednesday following the news of Russia’s detention of a Japanese reporter on suspicion of espionage, a move likely to further strain the two countries’ relations that have already soured due to Japan’s sanctions on Russia over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The detention of the male reporter for Hokkaido Shimbun Press, a newspaper publisher in the northernmost Japan prefecture of Hokkaido, shocked the prime minister’s office and the Foreign Ministry. With some believing that Russia may be maneuvering to use the situation as a diplomatic tool, concerns are growing over a prolonged standoff. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a press conference Wednesday morning that the government learned of the detention through Russia’s announcement of the move, acknowledging that the news came all of a sudden. The top government spokesman also said Tokyo asked the Russian side for humanitarian treatment of the reporter while adding that the government has not been able to contact him at this point. On Wednesday, Kimitake Nakamura, director-general of the Foreign Ministry’s European Affairs Bureau summoned Russian Ambassador to Japan Nikolay Nozdrev, to lodge a protest and ask for an opportunity to contact the reporter soon. He also strongly protested against a series of unilateral announcements by Russia regarding the detention. Footage released by Russia’s Federal Security Service, or FSB, shows the reporter being restrained on the floor and handcuffed. A senior Foreign Ministry official expressed surprise, saying, “There’s never been such harsh treatment in the past.” Another described the situation as “serious.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement that Japanese authorities had tried to use a correspondent to gather information. “It’s unthinkable,” a senior official at the Japanese prime minister’s office said of the claim. A government official suggested that Russia’s actions may be aimed at creating instability “by hinting at a prolonged detention.” Japan has put in place sanctions on Russia following the launch of Moscow’s military aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. The growing importance of Russian energy amid Middle East tensions has prompted Japan to seek a more balanced approach, including sending a senior industry ministry official to Russia. In August this year, however, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Etorofu, one of the four Russian-controlled northwestern Pacific islands claimed by Japan. A senior official of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party said, “Russia has taken unfair advantage of us.” In the statement, Zakharova suggested potential further actions against Japan. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov justified the detention, saying that the FSB is performing its duties and that if there are spies, it will apprehend them. Russia may use the current situation for an easing of the Japanese sanctions, a middle-ranking member of the LDP said, adding, “We have few options.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
