Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > April 18, 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: Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 5:04 p.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

  1. Opening Remarks
    • (1) Visit to Japan of H.E. Dato' Sri Anifah bin Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia
  2. Questions concerning the Submission of a Censure Motion against two Cabinet Ministers
  3. Questions concerning the Statement Made by Governor Ishihara of Tokyo Prefecture about the Senkaku Islands
  4. Questions concerning the Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Visit to Japan of H.E. Dato' Sri Anifah bin Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba: From April 24 to 25, H.E. Dato' Sri Anifah bin Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, will pay a working visit to Japan at my invitation. This visit is in reciprocation for my visit to Malaysia in October of last year, and is being realized to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Malaysia’s Look East Policy.

On April 24 we are scheduled to have a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in which we plan to have an exchange of opinions not just on bilateral relations, but on a wide range of matters, including regional and global issues that the two countries share an interest in.

It is expected that the visit to Japan by Minister Anifah will serve to further develop the relationship of friendly cooperation fostered between Japan and Malaysia through the Look East Policy and close economic relations.

2. Questions concerning the Submission of a Censure Motion against two Cabinet Ministers

Akiyama, TV TOKYO: Regarding the censure motion, the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) and the opposition parties just submitted a censure motion against Defense Minister Tanaka and Transport and Tourism Minister Maeda, which is expected to be passed. The Ministry of Defense is involved in the consultation about the realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan. How do you think this censure motion will affect the issue?

Minister Gemba: At the moment I cannot foresee any consequences of the censure motion, however, I think the decision on how to handle the result should be made by the Prime Minister. At any rate, I don’t think it will affect the issue (of realignment of the U.S. Forces)..

Shimada, NHK: Regarding the censure motion, how do you evaluate the fact that a censure motion has been submitted against the two Cabinet ministers in the current circumstances?

Minister Gemba: I think what is important now is the cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties to make things move forward. In that sense, I think the censure motion is regrettable.

3. Questions concerning the Statement Made by Governor Ishihara of Tokyo Prefecture about the Senkaku Islands

Akiyama, TV TOKYO: Regarding the Senkaku Islands, Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura referred to the possibility of the nationalization of the islands yesterday, and the Prime Minister has not denied that possibility, but how are you going to respond to this matter? Please let us know again what you think.

Minister Gemba: I was at the Diet all day yesterday and today, so I have not heard about the situation. Regarding the true intent of the Governor of Tokyo as well as the intention of the owner of the islands, I think we first need to have a full grasp of the facts.
As you know, with regard to maintaining and managing the Senkaku Islands in a peaceful and stable manner, I think it is natural that we discuss any measures possibly taken from various perspectives.

Nishikawa, TBS: The issue of Senkaku came up both yesterday and today. Governor Ishihara of Tokyo mentioned that Tokyo Metropolitan Government would surely purchase the islands, but what do you think about a local government, not a national government, making such a move?

Minister Gemba: I have no comments particularly about what a local government would do in particular.

Gomi, Tokyo Shinbun: Regarding the issue of Senkaku, do you think the efforts made by the government so far have been sufficient?

Minister Gemba: I think the government has responded in an adequate manner.

Sugimoto, Sankei Shinbun: With regard to Senkaku, how do you consider at present the impact on Japan-China relations brought by the fact itself that Tokyo Metropolitan Government officially announced the purchase plan?

Minister Gemba: I do think that we need to ensure that it will not have an impact on stable development (of the Japan-China relationship).

Kaku, Xinhua: In your previous reply about the issue of the Senkaku Islands, you talked about ensuring that the stable development of Japan-China relations without any impact which might be caused by the announcement of Tokyo Metropolitan Government. By this, what kind of efforts are you referring to in concrete terms?

Minister Gemba: I think it means that we will both deal with this issue from a broad perspective and in a calm manner.

4. Questions concerning the Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan

Mekaru, Okinawa Times: Regarding the realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan, a Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting is going to be held on 30 April. I suppose the realignment issue will be discussed in the meeting. Could you explain the plans for the interim report and the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (2+2) up to that timing?

Minister Gemba: Whether the Prime Minister’s visit to the U.S. will be a milestone or not is a separate issue, however, I would like to achieve a certain goal on the Japan-U.S. consultations about the realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan as soon as possible.

Shimada, NHK: I understand that you discussed the cost issue when you visited the U.S., and it will be summarized in the Japan-U.S. 2+2 Meeting in the near future. Do you think you will be able to establish some sort of future direction on this issue? In addition, it is reported that although the cost was originally estimated as 2.8 billion in FY2008 dollars, it has been suggested to be increased to 3.1 billion dollars to take account of inflation in the U.S. What is your opinion on this matter?

Minister Gemba: This issue is still under consultation. As I already answered in the Diet, I discussed the issues of cost and land south of Kadena with U.S. Defense Secretary Panetta. I am currently arguing that the cost should be explainable to the public in Japan, and a more specific approach is needed to the consistency of previous Japan-U.S. agreements and the return of the land south of Kadena. It is still under consultation.

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