Breaking News By REUTERS \ TOKYO - The wife of a Japanese journalist thought to be held by Islamic State insurgents in Syria urged the Japanese and Jordanian governments to work for his release shortly before a deadline set by his captors expired.

The wife of a Japanese hostage held by Islamic State has spoken for the first time since her husband was captured after the militants sent her an ultimatum. Kenji Goto has been held captive since last October, with the jihadist group demanding Jordan releases failed Iraqi suicide bomber Sajida al Rishawi in return for his freedom.