Japanese Executive Released in Myanmar

Hiroshi Kasamatsu, the director of Aeon Orange, a supermarket chain in Myanmar, has been sentenced to one year in prison after being convicted of selling rice above government-mandated prices. His arrest on June 30 highlighted ongoing economic challenges in Myanmar, where rice is a staple food. The Japanese Foreign Ministry confirmed his conviction and stated that he was fined 500,000 kyat (approximately $150) but did not clarify whether he would remain in Myanmar or return to Japan. Kasamatsu's case is part of a broader crackdown on price gouging in Myanmar, where the military government has been struggling to stabilize the economy amid ongoing civil unrest and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the military coup in 2021, which ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, the country has seen a rise in both nonviolent protests and armed resistance. The Myanmar Alin newspaper reported that over 60 individuals, including foreign executives, have been arrested for similar pricing violations, with significant overpricing reported across various sectors. Aeon Orange, a subsidiary of Japan's Aeon group, operates multiple supermarkets in Myanmar. The company has not issued a public comment regarding Kasamatsu's situation. Japan has historically maintained a more lenient stance towards Myanmar's military regime compared to Western nations, opting for diplomatic engagement while limiting aid to humanitarian efforts. The Japanese government continues to advocate for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, despite not imposing economic sanctions against the military government.