Person

Yuki Imai

1. Russia arrests Hokkaido Shimbun reporter Yuki Imai in Far East; Tokyo protests to Russian ambassador

   Russia said it had arrested Hokkaido Shimbun reporter Yuki Imai in the Sakhalin region of the Far East on suspicion of gathering information on mobilised soldiers, and released footage of his transfer to Lefortovo Prison in Moscow; Japanese embassy staff in Moscow were reportedly denied a meeting. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi denied he was spying for Japan, and his newspaper took the same position. Japan lodged a formal protest with the Russian ambassador in Tokyo on Wednesday. Analysts said the arrest deepens already frosty Japan–Russia ties and that a weak Tokyo response could invite further tests from Moscow.

   Oct 20, 2026 Afternoon