Relations between Russia and Japan have deteriorated due to Japan's alignment with the US and NATO, and an ongoing dispute over the Kuril Islands. Russia has arrested a Japanese journalist, Yuki Imai of Hokkaido Shimbun, accusing him of espionage. The FSB claims Imai was using media to gather intelligence on Russia's defense capabilities and was caught storing sensitive data. This situation is reminiscent of the arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Imai was reportedly attempting to leave Russia when detained in the Sakhalin region. Tokyo is currently gathering more information and has summoned the Russian ambassador to protest the lack of explanation. Japanese and European officials are seeking access to Imai, and Russian state media has shown footage of his arrest. President Putin had previously criticized Japan's policy towards Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict, which aligns with NATO's stance. Putin had also made a provocative visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, which Tokyo strongly protested.