Japan demands Iran release detained citizen, identified as NHK bureau chief

Japan formally demanded Wednesday that Iran release a Japanese citizen detained last month, with reports identifying the individual as the Tehran bureau chief of public broadcaster NHK. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki told reporters that Tokyo is seeking the person's "early release" while maintaining contact with the detainee and family to provide necessary support.

Detention Details

The Japanese national was taken into custody by Iranian authorities on January 20, according to Ozaki. US-funded Radio Free Europe reported Tuesday that the detainee is NHK's Tehran bureau chief and is being held in Evin Prison, a facility notorious for housing journalists, dual nationals, and political prisoners. Iranian authorities have not officially commented on the arrest or confirmed the individual's identity.

Government Response

Ozaki declined to release the detainee's identity details but confirmed the January 20 detention date. The Japanese government has been "in touch with the detained national and the family, while providing necessary support," he said, without elaborating on diplomatic communications with Tehran. NHK responded cautiously to inquiries about its staff member, stating: "We always prioritize the safety of our staff members, and there is nothing we can answer at this moment."

Diplomatic Context

The detention comes amid heightened regional tensions as Iran prepares for Thursday's nuclear talks with the United States in Geneva. Japan has historically maintained relatively cordial relations with Tehran and could serve as a diplomatic intermediary, though the arrest complicates bilateral ties. The case adds to international concerns about Iran's treatment of journalists and foreign nationals, with Evin Prison drawing repeated criticism from human rights organizations over detention conditions and due process violations.