Japan vows to rescue journalist believed held in Syria

Japan says it’s doing its utmost for the rescue of a Japanese journalist believed to be held in Syria after a video of a man appearing to be him was posted on the internet.

Freelance journalist Jumpei Yasuda was last heard from in Syria in 2015.

Chief Cabinet Spokesman Yoshihide Suga said Wednesday he believed the man in a video was Yasuda. Suga refused to give further details about the rescue efforts.

The bearded man, in a video released Tuesday, said he was in harsh environment and needed an immediate rescue. The man spoke in Japanese but said he’s Korean named “Umaru.”

Several videos showing a man believed to be Yasuda have been released in the past year.