Japanese national returns home after monthslong detention in Iran

Japan’s top government spokesperson said Monday that one of two Japanese nationals detained in Iran has safely returned home in good health.

TOKYO — Japan’s top government spokesperson said Monday that one of two Japanese nationals detained in Iran has safely returned home in good health.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara’s confirmation came one day after Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi announced the person’s release.

Motegi, speaking on a Fuji Television talk show Sunday, said the person had been detained since last year and was released Wednesday. He said the person took a flight from neighboring Azerbaijan.

Kihara, at a regular news conference Monday, confirmed that the former detainee returned to Japan on Sunday in good health.

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