Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > October 26, 2012

(* This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only. The original text is in Japanese.)

Press Conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba

Date: Friday, October 26, 2012, 10:56 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

  1. Formation of a new political party by former Governor of Tokyo Shintaro Ishihara
  2. Japan-U.S. Joint Committee
  3. Formation of a new political party by former Governor of Tokyo Shintaro Ishihara
  4. Throwing of Molotov cocktails at the Japanese Embassy to the Republic of Korea

1. Formation of a new political party by former Governor of Tokyo Shintaro Ishihara

Hanamura, TV Asahi: Yesterday former Governor of Tokyo Shintaro Ishihara announced his intention to form a new political party and return to national politics. First, I would like to ask what your frank opinion of this is, and what effect you think it will have. In particular, in China and the Republic of Korea, while the governments have not commented yet, the media have been quick to express warnings and concerns. Moreover, former Governor Ishihara also expressed in his press conference yesterday his desire to rapidly develop harbors around the Senkaku Islands. I believe that right now the Government continues dialogue to improve worsened Japan-China relations. In the midst of that, what kind of effect do you think the movements of former Governor Ishihara will have? I would like to ask your thoughts on this.

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba: First, he said he would form a new party. I think that we currently do not know anything yet about how much influence the party will have. I actually do feel that it would be easier for him to exercise influence by holding his position as the governor. However, I have never met the former Governor, so I do not think it would really be appropriate for me to make any comments.

Hanamura, TV Asahi: What about the influence on China and so on?

Minister Gemba: As I said a moment ago, I believe that it will naturally depend on what sort of influence the new party has, and how many seats it is able to secure after the general election.

2. Japan-U.S. Joint Committee

Hanamura, TV Asahi: It is being reported that in the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee yesterday the U.S. side conveyed the message that the current curfew, which had been put into place following the incident by the U.S. Forces, would continue for a couple of weeks. Was any specific period referred to in the discussion?

Minister Gemba: I believe that it has not yet been decided how long the current comprehensive night curfew will continue. That is the report I have received. Yesterday, after the Joint Committee meeting had ended, the Japanese side offered a number of opinions on what should be done to ensure that this sort of terrible, despicable incident never happens again. I believe that on the Japanese side, we must draw a conclusion that will convince us of this. I will continue to make concrete requests about this issue.

3. Formation of a new political party by former Governor of Tokyo Shintaro Ishihara

Nikaido, Asahi Shimbun: Related to the former Governor of Tokyo, Mr. Ishihara has shown a strong stance on foreign affairs related to the Senkaku Islands and the U.S. bases in Japan. How, as the Minister for Foreign Affairs, do you view his advancement to national politics? I believe that his opinion might influence Japan’s diplomacy. What is your opinion?

Minister Gemba: I frankly think that it depends on the numbers of seats that we’ll see following the general election. I have never spoken to Mr. Ishihara or met him, so I do not think I should really make a comment. That said, if we were to hypothetically consider what it would be like for someone who is responsible for the government or a head of the government to undertake such actions and to make such statements as Mr. Ishihara has made during his time as Governor of Tokyo, then I would say that some of those actions and statements would be inappropriate.

4. Throwing of Molotov cocktails at the Japanese Embassy to the Republic of Korea

Sugimoto, Sankei Shimbun: My question concerns the transfer of a Chinese national suspected of setting fire to Yasukuni Shrine. The Republic of Korea is currently holding the man in custody, while China is seeking his forced repatriation. Japan and the Republic of Korea have the extradition treaty, so I believe that normally the man would be extradited to Japan. However, the ROK has stated that in addition to the treaty and domestic laws, it will consider humanitarian elements in making a decision. I would like to know your opinion of the ROK’s response.

Minister Gemba: That case involved a man who threw Molotov cocktails at the Japanese Embassy in the Republic of Korea and was arrested by the ROK police. I believe he also confessed to setting fire to Yasukuni Shrine. The Japanese police are currently investigating the arson case. The matter that you mentioned is naturally a matter of our interest. However, I would like to refrain from commenting about the transfer of the suspect and related matters.

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