Japanese Executive Released After Myanmar Rice Pricing Conviction

Japanese business executive Hiroshi Kasamatsu, detained in Myanmar for over a month due to rice pricing violations, has been released. Kasamatsu, director of Myanmar supermarket Aeon Orange, was convicted and sentenced to one year in prison. His release comes amid Myanmar's economic struggles and civil unrest.

Japanese business executive Hiroshi Kasamatsu has been released from custody in Myanmar, where he was detained for more than a month on charges of violating rice pricing regulations, officials confirmed Tuesday.

Kasamatsu, a director at the Myanmar-based supermarket Aeon Orange, was arrested on June 30 for selling rice above official price limits. Convicted of violating law relating to daily necessities, he was sentenced to one year in prison and fined 500,000 kyat (approximately USD 150).

The Japanese Foreign Ministry verified Kasamatsu's conviction and subsequent release, noting that his future plans—whether to remain in Myanmar or return to Japan—are unclear. They confirmed he is in good health but provided few additional details.

Rice is an essential commodity in Myanmar, a nation grappling with economic stabilization amidst ongoing civil conflict and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country's military seized power in 2021, triggering widespread protests that have since escalated into armed resistance.

Aeon Orange is part of Japan's retail giant Aeon Group, which operates multiple supermarkets in Myanmar. The company has yet to comment on the situation.

Kasamatsu is one of several foreign executives detained on similar charges in Myanmar. Earlier in July, state-run newspaper Myanmar Alin reported that the crackdown on rice overpricing—ranging from 31% to 70% above official prices—involved 62 suspects, 102 warehouses, 53 supermarkets, 25 mills, and seven other shops in major cities.

Japan maintains historically friendly relations with Myanmar and has taken a softer stance on its military government compared to many Western nations. Although Tokyo has limited its aid to humanitarian purposes and does not recognize the current regime, it has refrained from imposing economic sanctions.