Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Aso on the Case of the Japanese Immigrants to the Dominican Republic

June 7, 2006
Japanese

On June 7 (Wed), the Tokyo District Court gave verdict on the lawsuit filed by Japanese immigrants to the Dominican Republic, demanding the Government of Japan pay damages. I take it that the rejection of the plaintiffs' claim means that the Government's claim has been accepted. At the same time, I think it is necessary to look closely into this ruling, fully taking note of the severe remarks made on the situation at the time the immigration project was implemented. At any rate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to continue promoting dialogue and coordination with the Japanese emigrants aimed at building relations of trust with them, based on the statement by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in 2004 at the National Diet, on what kind of cooperation should be offered for the benefit of people of Japanese descent as a whole and development of friendly relations between Japan and the Dominican Republic.
It happens that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Japanese immigration to the Dominican Republic, and I understand that a series of commemorative events has been taking place. This is a valuable opportunity to pass on to the next generation the hardship and pride of their forefathers. Through dialogue and coordination separate from the legal issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have been building up cooperation for the immigration project to the Dominican Republic, such as contributing to the provision of education for the children of Japanese descent and promoting regional exchanges with the people of the Dominican Republic. We intend to do our best even more so that this process of dialogue and coordination will lead to the building and strengthening of trust between Japan and the emigrants, not simply because this year is 50th anniversary.

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