Japan refuses to give in to IS threats to kill 2 hostages

Japan's government is holding firm to its position that it will not give in to the ransom demands from the Islamic State, despite a deadline looming to free a pair of Japanese citizens being held hostage by the militants.

The Islamic State released a video on Tuesday, threatening to kill the two Japanese hostages within 72 hours unless the Japanese government paid a ransom of 200-million US dollars.

This is the same amount Japan has pledged in non-military aid to support countries affected by the Islamic State's expansion in Iraq and Syria.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.

"While it is indeed a difficult situation, we are doing everything possible to ensure the release of the hostages. Japan will not cave in to terrorism and will look to continue to contribute to the efforts against terrorism with the international community."

One Japanese hostage is an independent filmmaker, while the other a freelance defense contractor.

Japanese officials have been meeting with friendly governments in the region in an attempt to try to secure their release.

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