Japanese diplomats in Turkey confirmed the released man was Jumpei Yasuda, a 44-year-old freelancer who was reported to have been captured by an al-Qaeda affiliate after entering Syria from Turkey in 2015.
“My name is Jumpei Yasuda, Japanese journalist. I have been held in Syria for 40 months, now in Turkey. Now I’m in safe condition. Thank you very much,” a bearded Yasuda said.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had earlier voiced relief, while still waiting for confirmation of the identity of the freed man.