Japan has called on Iran to immediately release a Japanese citizen who has been detained in Tehran since January. The Japanese government confirmed the detention of Shinosuke Kawashima, the head of the NHK bureau in Tehran, although the NHK has not officially acknowledged any of its employees being detained. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanobu Ozaki stated that the government is maintaining contact with both the arrested citizen and his family during this sensitive situation.

Reports indicate that the Japanese national was apprehended on January 20, and officials from Japan's Foreign Ministry believe he is in good health, even though they have not yet been granted access to meet him personally. The situation raises concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in Iran amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly as relations between Japan and Iran have been historically moderate, focusing on trade and cultural exchanges.

The specific reasons for Kawashima's detention are currently unclear, and while the Japanese government prioritizes the safety of its citizens abroad, the incident may strain Japan-Iran relations. There are approximately 200 Japanese nationals living in Iran, with around 150 residing in Tehran, indicating a significant presence that could be affected by this development.