NHK Bureau Chief Released on Bail After Detention in Iran, Likely to Face Trial
The NHK Tehran bureau chief detained in Iran since January has been released on bail but is restricted from leaving the country and is expected to face trial. The Japanese government is demanding his release.
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- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 12:09
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 13:00 (51 min after Published)
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Japan's TBS reported that Kihara stated at a press conference this morning, 'The Japanese Embassy in Iran has confirmed that the Japanese national detained by Iranian authorities on January 20 this year was released on bail on April 6, local time.'
He also stated that the Japanese Ambassador to Iran has met with the Japanese national and confirmed that there are no issues with his health.
Kyodo News quoted Japanese government sources today disclosing that the person released on bail is the NHK Tehran bureau chief. He had previously been held in Evin Prison in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Although he has been released on bail, he currently cannot leave Iran. Evin Prison holds a large number of political prisoners.
Sources also revealed that the bureau chief is accused of security-related offenses and is expected to enter the trial process later. The Japanese government has requested the Iranian government to allow the Japanese national to return to Japan.
Following the joint attack on Iran by the US and Israel, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held three phone calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, demanding the release of the Japanese national.
People related to the Japanese government pointed out that in addition to talking directly with Araghchi, the Japanese side has also contacted the Iranian Ambassador to Japan to demand his release. (Compiled by: Yang Wei-jing) 1150407
He also stated that the Japanese Ambassador to Iran has met with the Japanese national and confirmed that there are no issues with his health.
Kyodo News quoted Japanese government sources today disclosing that the person released on bail is the NHK Tehran bureau chief. He had previously been held in Evin Prison in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Although he has been released on bail, he currently cannot leave Iran. Evin Prison holds a large number of political prisoners.
Sources also revealed that the bureau chief is accused of security-related offenses and is expected to enter the trial process later. The Japanese government has requested the Iranian government to allow the Japanese national to return to Japan.
Following the joint attack on Iran by the US and Israel, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held three phone calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, demanding the release of the Japanese national.
People related to the Japanese government pointed out that in addition to talking directly with Araghchi, the Japanese side has also contacted the Iranian Ambassador to Japan to demand his release. (Compiled by: Yang Wei-jing) 1150407