An Aeon Orange supermarket in Yangon, Myanmar. (Photo: Kyodo)
In an unexpected turn of events, Hiroshi Kasamatsu, a prominent figure in the Japanese supermarket landscape, has returned to freedom. Kasamatsu, serving as the merchandise division chief of Aeon Orange Co., a joint venture of the Japanese supermarket chain Aeon Company in Myanmar, was released after being convicted of breaching rice pricing regulations enforced by Myanmar’s military government. Diplomatic sources confirmed this development on Tuesday.
The 53-year-old executive made a swift exit from Yangon and touched down safely in Bangkok on the same day, reportedly in good health. While the exact details surrounding his release remain murky, sources suggest that a return to Japan is imminent for Kasamatsu. His initial detainment began on June 30, with formal charges levied against him on July 11, 2024. His ordeal culminated on Monday with a conviction, a one-year prison sentence, and a fine.
This case marks a historic precedent: the first instance of a Japanese businessperson facing legal repercussions in Myanmar related to corporate activities since the military usurped control from the civilian government in February 2021. The controversial coup triggered a cascade of civil unrest and economic turmoil across the nation.
The military accused Kasamatsu of pricing rice at rates soaring up to 70% above the government-mandated levels. Such incidents aren’t isolated; local media have chronicled the detainment of numerous Myanmar merchants dealing in items like fuel and cooking oil for similar pricing violations. Many of these detainees, unfortunately, remain in custody.
Interestingly, this episode unfolded even as Japan chose a path of diplomatic restraint, opting not to impose sanctions on Myanmar’s military or its affiliates, a stark contrast to the punitive measures enforced by Western nations. The military coup incited widespread protests, leading to violent confrontations between the junta and opposition forces comprising pro-democracy groups and ethnic minority rebels. This conflict has left a trail of destruction, severely impacting Myanmar’s economy.
In a bid to stabilize the market, the junta has imposed stringent regulations, including setting a reference exchange rate for the kyat, the national currency, which has plummeted in value post-coup. Prices for essential goods, particularly rice, have been capped, forcing many merchants to flout these directives to avoid financial losses.
Aeon Orange, the brainchild of a collaborative effort between Aeon Company and local retailer Creation Myanmar Group of Companies, came into being in 2016. This venture symbolizes the melding of international retail expertise with local business acumen, aimed at fostering a modern retail culture within Myanmar.
As the saga of Hiroshi Kasamatsu unfolds, the global business community is watching closely, their gaze fixed on Myanmar’s fluctuating landscape. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced by businesses operating in politically volatile environments. The world waits in anticipation, pondering the broader implications of this instance on international trade and diplomatic relations.
Read more: Myanmar junta arrests 11 for inflating rice prices
Seems like Japan dodged a bullet with this one. It’s dangerous for any country to get involved with a government like Myanmar’s military junta.
Emily, do you even understand the complexities of international trade? We can’t just ‘not get involved.’ Businesses have responsibilities and opportunities in emerging markets.
Tanaka, but at what cost? Human rights should always come first. If a country is oppressing its people, businesses should reconsider their priorities.
Exactly, Brenda. We can’t turn a blind eye to oppression just for the sake of profit.
I agree with Emily. It’s not just about profits; it’s about the ethics and morals of doing business in such regions.
I wonder if there was some under-the-table deal involved in Kasamatsu’s release. It all seems too convenient.
Kevin, without evidence, it’s just speculation. We have to be careful with such accusations.
This just shows how unpredictable the Myanmar military government is. No one is safe, not even prominent international business figures.
That’s true, Mike. But what’s the alternative? Should we abandon markets that could benefit from international investments?
It’s a tough call. But risking people’s freedom and lives isn’t worth it in my opinion.
Japan’s diplomatic approach toward Myanmar is questionable. They should have taken a harder stance like Western nations did.
This is a perfect example of how geopolitics and business interests often clash. Japan’s restraint might be strategic to maintain some form of influence in Myanmar.
I agree, Dr. Wong. Japan’s long-term strategy likely involves subtle diplomacy rather than outright confrontation.
Exactly, Economist22. Influence can sometimes achieve more than sanctions.
Rice is a staple and should be affordable. Why was Kasamatsu selling it at such high prices in the first place?
Max, businesses often have to mark up prices to cover costs. Plus, the economic instability post-coup might have forced his hand.
Myanmar has always been a risky market. Companies should have foreseen this sort of issue post-coup.
The military junta’s economic policies are wrecking their own country. Who will invest in such a volatile environment?
Companies willing to take the risk for potentially high rewards. High risk, high gain, right?
True, but it seems way too unstable now. The risks may outweigh the potential gains.
This story highlights the complicated nature of international business. One wrong move and you’re at the mercy of a foreign government.
Kasamatsu should have known better. Ignoring government regulations in unstable countries is a recipe for disaster.
Why isn’t the international community doing more to support the people of Myanmar? All this business talk and no mention of the humanitarian crisis.
Preach, Sophie! The focus is always on money, never on people. Shame on us.
Exactly, HumanRightsAdvocate. We need to shift our priorities.
This issue isn’t black and white. Businesses need to navigate complex legal environments, and sometimes mistakes happen.
The Japanese government needs to rethink its strategy. Perhaps tighter policies or better support for their nationals abroad?
It’s shocking how fragile international business relations can be. One moment you’re running a supermarket, the next you’re in prison.
I’m curious, what’s next for Kasamatsu? Will he face any repercussions when he returns to Japan?
This incident makes me appreciate the stable markets at home. Imagine being jailed for selling rice at a high price!
Kasamatsu is lucky to be released. Many local merchants are still suffering in jail for similar reasons.
What a mess! I just hope Kasamatsu’s release doesn’t mean Japan will go soft on human rights issues in Myanmar.
If anything, this incident underscores the necessity for international businesses to have robust legal and risk management strategies in volatile countries.
Maybe this will be a wake-up call for other international businesses operating in Myanmar. The risks are very real.
Absolutely heartbreaking. The focus should be on helping the people in Myanmar who are suffering under this regime.
What about the people who can’t afford rice now? Blaming Kasamatsu doesn’t solve the broader economic issues caused by the junta.