Four of six Japanese nationals detained in China in March for their suspected involvement in unspecified "illegal activities" are now back in Japan after having been released, Japan's top government spokesman said Thursday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, speaking in a daily press conference, refrained from commenting on why they were released or why they were detained in the first place "as others remain in custody."
"We are in contact with the Chinese authorities," he said. "The protection of Japanese nationals is the government's most important duty, and we are giving thorough support to those still in custody."