With the plight of hostage Kenji Goto still unknown, and his fellow captive apparently executed, friends of the journalist have taken to social media to work for his release, creating an "I am Kenji" Facebook page and collecting signatures online.

Film producer Taku Nishimae, who has been a friend of Goto's for more than 10 years, began the page with a simple picture of himself holding a placard with the words "I am Kenji" written on it.

Accompanying the picture, Nishimae asks readers to post selfies to show unity with Goto and ask for his release.