Japan Urges Immediate Release of Citizen Detained in Tehran Since January

Tokyo. The Japanese government has urged Iranian authorities to immediately release a Japanese citizen who has been in custody in Tehran since January.

Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki confirmed to foreign media on Wednesday that the citizen was detained on January 20. He declined to provide further details, citing confidentiality and security reasons. Ozaki stated, "The government is in contact with the detainee and his family, providing necessary support."

According to Foreign Ministry officials, Japanese authorities have not been granted permission to meet the detainee in person, but they believe his health is good. The ministry also declined to comment on when or on what charges the arrest was made.

Approximately 200 Japanese citizens reside in Iran, with 150 of them in the capital, Tehran. The Japanese government has stated it is continuously making efforts to ensure their safety and protection.