MOSCOW, July 9 (Bernama-Sputnik) -- Tokyo called on Myanmar on Tuesday to immediately release a Japanese man who was detained for allegedly breaking rice-selling rules, top Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said, reported Sputnik.
"We are asking (the authorities of Myanmar) for an early release of the Japanese national and for protection," Hayashi told a news conference.
Hiroshi Kasamatsu, in his 50s, was identified as a senior staffer of a venture in Myanmar affiliated with a Japanese supermarket chain. He has been in custody since June 30 along with 10 other detainees.
Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Maruyama and the staff of the embassy confirmed after meeting him in person that there were no significant health concerns.
The Japanese Consulate General has been making efforts to ensure his release.
"We are going to handle the matter properly," the cabinet secretary said.
Japanese news agency Kyodo reported last week that Kasamatsu had been arrested for allegedly selling rice at a price that exceeded the cap set by the Myanmar authorities by 50 to 70 per cent.
-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK
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