Q&A: A look at Japan and 2 being held by Islamic State group

Oh dear..........

I certainly hope Japan doesn't pay this ridiculous ransom for these two clowns

Of the two, the freelance journalist had legitimate reasons for being in harm's way and I feel badly for his situation and his concerned friends and family. As for the wannabe "security consultant," he's about to learn a hard lesson about personal responsibility and real fanatics with real guns.

One of the guy's believes he was an actress in a previous life? Wtf?

I remember the kidnappings of foreigners in Southern Phils by militant muslims. the ransom was euphemistically called board and lodging fees. It was rumored to be in millions of US dollars.

@Mirai Hayashi

While I agree Japan probably should not pay a ransom, and while I agree that the individuals mentioned showed poor judgement in so far as it led to thier being taken hostage, I find your reference to two men who are about to be brutally executed as 'two clowns' to be callous and insensitive.

Warning here to any other would be journo types or wanna be security wannabee, unless you are on a suicide mission stay right away, even going near the borders of these places could put you in danger.

If you are part of a military contingent you still could be in danger as Fiji recently found out.

Wanna live in some dream world playing modern warfare stay on your damn xbox.

If ransom is paid, more Japanese will be kidnapped in Muslim countries.

Abe rushed back to Japan. I don't know how many Govt or private people reported above info but he gave statement that says he is not going to pay ransom..

@90292, I disagree that the freelance reporter had a legitimate reason to be there.I also had a reason to be over there. #1. The difference is he had a choice, I did not. #2. When I was there I had the U.S. Armed Forces watching my back, he had ??? . Anyone that thinks about going to the middle east and that it maybe easy to somewhat difficult to get out is highly naive, suicidal, crazy or just plain stupid. Why put your family throught this is you do not have to.No way is the ransom going to be paid. If they were foolish to do that, they will make it open season on all japanese worldwide. For those that wants to blame Abe san, he did not give them a reason only an excuse. Not one person or country is immune from these sadistic lunatics.