Sankei journalist meets Abe after return from South Korea

I wonder what would happen here if a South Korean reporter got indicted on charges of defaming and told not to leave the country.

South Korean defamation law focuses on whether what was said or written was in the public interest—rather than whether it was true.

Why is it called defamation law then?

This case is a joke, however, should the PM be so blatant in giving the finger to Seoul by offering a private audience to this hack? I don't know what passed between these two, however, the whole exercise of trotting this chap out in front of the waiting media sounds both incestuous and disingenuous. What happens the next time a Japanese national who actually needs saving (and isn't backed by the mass media) is stitched up in Seoul on trumped up charges? The protestations of Japan's diplomats might well fall on deaf ears.

Again, glad this case has been seen for the farce that it is, but not sure of the benefits of Abe grandstanding to the peanut gallery.

Will Kato's passport be invalid for South Korea now? Because he caused distress to the Japanese people by his arrest etc?

Sigh! Another example of childish foreigh policy supporting the view that nobody should trust Japanes politicians. Grow up!. Is this guy worthy of meeting the prime minister?! Pandering to special interest will only get you so far....

“will continue to call on South Korea to take appropriate steps”.

That's rich, coming from Suga and the government that is busy re-writing history. If this reporter had taken the appropriate steps in his reporting in the first place he wouldn't be in that mess. And if anyone wants to suggest what SK did was over the top, keep in mind that in Japan they are being fired and 'called up for meetings' if they don't support the leading party -- and that's within its own borders, not going overseas and reporting THERE about problems.

Sankei journalist meets Abe after return from South Korea

No doubt in Abe, he will find a willing listener when he gripes about South Korea

And if anyone wants to suggest what SK did was over the top, keep in mind that in Japan they are being fired and 'called up for meetings' if they don't support the leading party -- and that's within its own borders, not going overseas and reporting THERE about problems.

Good point. The hypocrisy of the Japanese government and media is astounding.