Japanese business exec Hiroshi Kasamatsu has been released from detention in Myanmar. Kasamatsu, a director of Aeon Orange supermarket, had been in custody since his June 30 arrest for allegedly selling rice at prices exceeding official regulations. He was sentenced to one year in prison and fined 500,000 kyat ($150) but was freed Monday afternoon, according to Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun from Myanmar's ruling military council. The Japanese Foreign Ministry confirmed Kasamatsu's release and stated he is in good health; it remained unclear if he would return to Japan.
Kasamatsu's arrest was part of a broader crackdown on rice pricing in Myanmar, a country grappling with economic instability amid a civil war and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state-run Myanmar Alin newspaper reported that the investigation involved 62 suspects and targeted 102 warehouses, 53 supermarkets, 25 mills, and seven shops across major cities. The rice was allegedly tagged at prices 31% to 70% above what the Myanmar Rice Federation had set.
Japan has traditionally maintained amicable relations with Myanmar, adopting a softer stance towards its military government compared to many Western nations. While Tokyo withholds recognition of Myanmar's current government and calls for restoring democracy, it has not imposed economic sanctions. Japan's aid to Myanmar is limited to humanitarian efforts. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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