Japan wants to raise issue of detained Reuters reporters with Myanmar: government spokesman

Myanmar prosecutors sought charges on Wednesday against the two reporters under the Official Secrets Act, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years, the reporters' lawyer said.

"The Japanese government has conveyed its concern about this matter to the government of Myanmar and going forward, wants to discuss and make appeals at appropriate opportunities, including Foreign Minister Kono's visit to Myanmar," Suga said in response to a question about the issue.

He said it was important to guarantee freedom of expression and basic human rights in any country.

(Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka, Writing by Linda Sieg; Editing by Martin Howell)