Russian authorities have accused a Japanese journalist of espionage, claiming he collected sensitive information for Tokyo related to Moscow’s defense capabilities. The journalist, identified as Yuki Imai, was arrested in Russia’s Far East Sakhalin region one day before he was scheduled to leave the country.
The arrest comes amid significant deterioration in tensions between the two countries, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit in August to the disputed Kuril Islands, which are claimed by both sides. Japan responded sharply at the time, saying the visit “hurts the feelings of the Japanese people.”
1+According to the state news agency TASS, Russian authorities claim Imai “acted on instructions from Japanese intelligence services” to gather information on individuals involved in a “special military operation” on the islands. He was transferred to detention in Moscow, and if convicted, could face up to 20 years in prison.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in response that “Tokyo’s attempts to use its correspondents to undermine our country’s security are regrettable.” Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said authorities are “verifying the facts” and will respond accordingly.
The dispute over the Kuril Islands has dragged on for decades and is the main reason Moscow and Tokyo have not signed an official peace treaty since World War II. Relations between the countries have remained frosty, especially after Japan imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
1+This isn’t the first time Russia has arrested a foreign journalist on espionage charges. Last year, the Kremlin detained Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, on espionage charges, and he was recently released in a prisoner exchange.