hostage
Jumpei Yasuda also explains why he said he was a South Korean man named Umaru in a video filmed by is captors.
Journalist Jumpei Yasuda, missing for three years, was seen in a terrorist hostage video pleading for help, but under a different name and nationality.
Read More
Earlier this week, a video that is thought to have been produced by Islamic State militants surfaced, demanding that Japan pay a ransom of $200 million within 72 hours for the release of two Japanese hostages, Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who had recently visited the Middle East and pledged $200 million in non-military aid, vowed to not give in to terrorism. The 72-hour time limit came and went, and on Saturday a new video was posted claiming that one hostage, Yukawa, was killed. While Abe and the Japanese people are angry, experts are taking a closer look to verify the authenticity of the somewhat questionable video.
As we reported earlier in the week, Islamic State militants are currently holding two Japanese nationals hostage. The militants have said that the men will be executed within 72 hours unless the Japanese government pays a ransom of US$200 million, something that seems highly unlikely to happen.
With this being a rather sensitive subject, many people were extremely shocked and angry when Japanese morning television show Mezamashi Television went on air with a “ticker” onscreen counting how much time had passed since the demands were made.
During a press conference on 25 January, Takeshi Endo, a representative for, JGC Corp, the construction firm working at the ill-fated Tigantourine natural gas plant told the story of one lucky survivor who was rescued by the Algerian workers there.
Read More
MOST POPULAR
Now
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Meet the eerie police statues of Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
We almost cried on our first visit to this under-the-radar budget Italian restaurant in Japan
Maker of Japan’s first crane machine is looking for a working model, offering 100,000-yen reward
Japanese pop idol A-chan reveals she’s always wanted to marry a fan, and she’s done it
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Visiting Hokkaido’s adorable and awesome Asahikawa rice paddy art【Photos】
Pokémon doughnuts appear at Mister Donut, with all-new Pikachu and Foongus
Weekly
- Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
Tokyo all-you-can-eat senbei deal is perfect for newbies to the world of beloved Japanese snacks
Monthly
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection- Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Maker of Japan’s first crane machine is looking for a working model, offering 100,000-yen reward
Japanese pop idol A-chan reveals she’s always wanted to marry a fan, and she’s done it
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Visiting Hokkaido’s adorable and awesome Asahikawa rice paddy art【Photos】
Pokémon doughnuts appear at Mister Donut, with all-new Pikachu and Foongus
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Tokyo National Museum seeking donations to pave over pond, create space for beer and music events
Is “Nagoya skipping” a cause of the exodus of young people from the city?
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
-
