Japanese Executive Returns Home After Conviction in Myanmar for Selling Rice Above Regulated Prices
A Japanese business executive has safely returned to Japan after spending over a month detained in Myanmar due to his conviction for selling rice at prices above the government-regulated limits, as confirmed by his company.
Hiroshi Kasamatsu, the director of Myanmar’s Aeon Orange supermarket, was detained on June 30th for violating Myanmar’s pricing regulations by selling rice at prices higher than the official cap. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Kasamatsu was convicted of breaking laws related to essential goods and services. He was sentenced to one year in prison and fined 500,000 kyat (approximately $150).
Aeon, the parent company, issued a statement on Wednesday confirming his return home following the sentencing. The company explained that retailers operating in Myanmar had no way of knowing about the sudden legal changes regarding rice pricing, which led to Aeon Orange’s unintentional violation of the law. They apologized for the trouble caused and expressed gratitude to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others who aided in Kasamatsu’s safe return.
Kasamatsu was released on Monday afternoon, according to Myanmar’s ruling military junta spokesperson, Major General Zaw Min Tun. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it remains unclear whether Kasamatsu will stay in Myanmar or return to Japan. They confirmed his release and good health but declined to provide further details.
Rice is a crucial commodity in Myanmar, a country struggling to stabilize its economy amid ongoing civil unrest that has hampered recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The military seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in 2021, leading to non-violent protests that escalated into armed resistance.
Aeon Orange, a subsidiary of Japan’s retail giant Aeon Group, operates several supermarkets in Myanmar. Aeon has not issued further comments on the matter. Kasamatsu is one of several foreign executives detained in Myanmar under similar charges.
In early July, the state-run Myanmar Alin newspaper reported on a series of arrests related to rice price violations, with prices allegedly exceeding the official rates set by the Myanmar Rice Federation by 31% to 70%. These incidents involved 62 suspects, 102 warehouses, 53 supermarkets and hypermarkets, 25 mills, and seven other stores in major cities.
Historically, Japan has maintained friendly relations with Myanmar. Unlike many Western nations, Japan has taken a more restrained approach toward Myanmar’s military regime, despite concerns over human rights abuses and democratic backsliding. Tokyo has refrained from imposing economic sanctions, while advocating for the restoration of democracy and limiting its aid to humanitarian purposes.
