KYOTO, JAPAN - From the early hours of broadcasting news about the potential accident involving the helicopter carrying the President of Iran, Japanese TV and media have provided meticulous, moment-by-moment updates.

These updates appeared not only in different important and most viewed channels, but also as subtitles between segments for the Japanese audience. Throughout this coverage, the Japanese public has been acutely aware of the intense concern and anxiety felt by Iranians regarding the possible tragic incident.

The media portrayal of the search efforts, including scenes of millions of Iranians desperately seeking news about the president's helicopter, has captivated Japanese viewers. Prominent experts and elite Japanese Iranologists have analyzed and evaluated the president's performance and the regional policies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Raisi's administration for the audience.

Following the confirmation of the deaths of the president and the foreign minister, Japanese television depicted the profound sorrow of the Iranian people. This coverage elicited widespread sympathy from the Japanese public, who expressed condolences to every Iranian they encountered. Such detailed and passionate reporting on Iran is rare, with previous instances limited to the 2022 unrest, and the martyrdom of General Qassem Soleimani, which were reported more cautiously regarding Iranian society's reactions.

Furthermore, discussions by Japanese experts on Iranian affairs, predicting a high likelihood of Mr. Raisi's replacement as the leader of Iran, have led to analytical programs and roundtable discussions about Iran's future. The issue of succession holds particular significance for the Japanese, who face similar concerns regarding their own imperial succession. With only six years into the current emperor's reign and with only one daughter, the topic has been a frequent subject of discussion among Japanese people at community and university levels. Consequently, the matter of succession in Iran's leadership has become a prominent topic in the Japanese media.