Japanese National Released From Iran Detention | Returning Home in 2024

One of two Japanese nationals detained in Iran has been released and returned to Japan on Saturday, Foreign Minister Yōko Kamikawa announced. The individual, who was initially detained in June 2025, arrived in Japan via Azerbaijan, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Kamikawa disclosed the release during a Fuji Television program on Sunday, stating the individual is in good health. Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining detainee, she added. “We are working towards the early release of the other person,” Kamikawa said.

The Foreign Minister had previously informed the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on March 6th that two Japanese nationals were being held in Iran. One of those individuals was believed to be the Tehran bureau chief of NHK, although the Foreign Ministry has not publicly confirmed the identity of either detainee.

Kamikawa spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian by phone on March 17th, directly appealing for the swift release of both individuals. The release follows those discussions.

The released individual’s return comes after a period of heightened tensions in the region. The circumstances surrounding the detentions, and the specific reasons for the release, remain unclear. The Foreign Ministry has not provided details regarding the conditions of the release or any potential concessions made to secure it.

Nikkei Asia reported that Kamikawa had previously held telephone consultations with Amir-Abdollahian on March 9th and 17th, directly requesting the early release of the detainees. The minister stated that contact is being maintained with the family of the remaining detainee as efforts continue toward their release.

The remaining detainee was reportedly taken into custody in January 2026. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported in February that Iranian authorities had detained the NHK Tehran bureau chief and transferred them to a Tehran prison.