Japan urges Russia to release journalist after confirming well-being Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Sakhalin region Gov. Valery Limarenko during his visit on the Etorofu Island in August. | POOL / VIA XFacebookLinkedInRedditBlueskyThreadsEmailPrintBookmark storyCopy link Japanese embassy officials in Moscow met Monday with a Hokkaido Shimbun journalist detained in Russia on espionage charges and confirmed that he was in good health, the government said. Russian authorities accused Imai of collecting defense-related information shortly before he was due to leave the country.
Japan has strongly denied the allegations. The detention comes amid growing tensions between Russia and Japan. In August, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Etorofu for the first time, prompting protests from Tokyo.
Etorofu is one of four Russian-controlled islands off Hokkaido that Japan claims as the Northern Territories. Japan seeks the return of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and the Habomai Islands, which were seized by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II and remain under Russian control. Russia says the issue is settled.
Tensions further escalated earlier this month when Japan extradited a Russian national to Germany over suspected involvement in a ransomware attack. The individual is believed to be a member of the international hacking group Qilin. Following Monday’s meeting with Imai, the Japanese government said it would continue to urge the Russian government to immediately release him, and to treat him fairly and humanely.
Domestic and international journalism organizations and watchdog groups, including the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have also issued statements of concern for Imai and protest over Russia’s actions. Ambassador to Japan George Glass condemned Russia’s detention of Imai in a post on X, calling it “nothing short of a gross attempt to intimidate and muzzle independent journalism.” RSF notes that since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, almost all independent media have been banned, blocked and/or declared “foreign agents” or “undesirable organisations” and that everyone is under military censorship. Russia(https://www.japantimes.co.jp/tag/russia), Russia-Japan relations(https://www.japantimes.co.jp/tag/russia-japan-relations), Hokkaido(https://www.japantimes.co.jp/tag/hokkaido), espionage(https://www.japantimes.co.jp/tag/espionage) ### Trump foreign policy hits voters in the pocketbook, imperiling Republicans in midterms Voters are increasingly drawing a direct connection between the president’s approach to world affairs and higher costs of living. ### Supplies of rare earth yttrium have ‘stalled,’ industry ministry official says ### One year after split with LDP, Komeito seeks fresh direction with new leader ### Newly appointed farm minister returns donation in wake of scandal ### Chinese AI tool used in cyberattacks on Japanese companies, investigation finds ### Nomura Real Estate builds connections for the future The office window looks out over Tokyo Bay and the recently redeveloped districts of Harumi and Toyosu.
To the right is the Odaiba bayfront skyline and the Rainbow Bridge connecting it to the center of the capital. If one is lucky, one may even spot a luxury cruise ship arriving at or departing from Hinode Pier down below. Don't Miss This Unique Entertainment Escape the typical tourist spots.
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