As the latest Islamic State deadline ticked closer on Thursday, one analyst said the Abe administration's response to the hostage crisis may leave other Japanese at risk of being kidnapped as political extremists and profiteers now see them as easy prey.
Nobuhiko Suto, an international affairs analyst and former Lower House lawmaker, said what terrorists have learned is that Japanese are valuable cards to hold.
"Countries like the United States, France and the United Kingdom have stood firm against terrorism by showing no compromise. . . . However, Japan has reacted with rather excessive fear and panic," he said.
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