Government: Japan checking video alleging IS execution of one hostage

This file image taken from an online video released by the Islamic State group's al-Furqan media arm on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, purports to show the group threatening to kill two Japanese hostages that the militants identify as Kenji Goto Jogo, left, and Haruna Yukawa, right, unless a $200 million ransom is paid within 72 hours. Yukawa went to Syria to train with fighters, and Goto is a freelance journalist respected for his reporting on refugees and children in war zones. (AP Photo/File)

Japan's government said Saturday it was attempting to verify a video posted online announcing the execution of one of two Japanese hostages held captive by Islamic State militants.

"A new video apparently showing Kenji (Goto) was posted on the Internet," chief government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said.

In the video, Goto appears to be alive. The government however is checking the same video for images suggesting that the second hostage, Haruna Yukawa, has been killed.