<p>July 1, 2024</p>
<p class=”has-drop-cap”>The Japanese government and the Japanese embassy in Yangon have called for the release of Hiroshi Kasamatsu, a Japanese national and director of the Aeon Orange shopping center, who was detained by the military junta for allegedly price gouging on rice in Myanmar. Reports indicate that the military has been inspecting the sales of rice at shopping centers, large stores, rice mills, and markets due to the rising rice prices, claiming that many vendors are selling rice at inflated prices to profit excessively.</p>
<p>In these inspections, authorities have opened cases against four individuals from 22 shopping centers and 11 rice traders under Article 5 of the Law on Essential Goods and Services, resulting in their arrest. Among those detained is Hiroshi Kasamatsu, who was arrested for his role as the director of Aeon Orange shopping center.</p>
<p>The Japanese embassy in Myanmar informed NHK that they are aware of the detention of a Japanese national by the military and are urging for his release, stating that they are working to resolve the matter promptly with support from the embassy.</p>
<p>Japanese government spokesperson Hayashi Yoshimasa has also called for the swift release of the detained Japanese national, asserting that they will continue to address the issue by providing necessary support and assistance.</p>
<p>Under Article 5 of the Law on Essential Goods and Services, those arrested could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, in addition to fines of up to 500,000 kyats.</p>
