Because preserving the safety of Japanese citizens is our most important duty, we are making use of a broad net of information and doing everything we can to respond," Mr Suga told a news conference. Asked if this meant contacting the al Nusra Front, Mr Suga said"that sort of thing was included" but declined to give further details. Early in 2015, the Islamic State militant group beheaded two Japanese nationals, a self-styled security consultant and a veteran war reporter. The executions captured the attention of Japan but the government said at the time it would not negotiate with the militants for their release. Mr Yasuda, a freelance journalist since 2003, was held in Baghdad in 2004 and drew criticism for drawing the Japanese government into negotiations for his release. REUTERS