Astellas employee imprisoned in China to be released in December, Japanese media report

A Japanese employee at Astellas Pharma is set to be released in mid-December after serving a three-year and six-month prison sentence for espionage in China, according to Japanese media reports. Kyodo news agency and Yomiuri newspaper, among others, reported the news based on unnamed sources. The man was arrested in March 2023 on suspicion of spying and was indicted in August 2024. He received his sentence in July 2025.

Japan's deputy chief cabinet secretary described the ruling as "extremely regrettable" following the sentencing, though he did not name the individual or their affiliation. Astellas Pharma, Japan's foreign ministry, and China's embassy in Tokyo did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters. China's foreign ministry also declined comment on the matter.

The case has strained Japan-China relations, which have already deteriorated since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that China attacking democratically governed Taiwan could prompt a military response from Japan. In response, China warned its citizens against traveling to Japan, citing their safety concerns. Additionally, China has reduced exports of rare earths to Japan, minerals crucial for manufacturing a wide array of goods, including cars and weapons.