Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > December 6, 2011

(* 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: Tuesday, December 6, 2011, 9:35 a.m.
Place: In front of Ministerial Reception Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

  1. Issue of Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan
  2. Transfer of Royal Archives to Republic of Korea
  3. Issue of Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan

1. Issue of Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan

Noguchi, Nippon Television: The resignation of Minister of Defense Ichikawa has become a big issue. Do you think that Minister Ichikawa's series of remarks have any influence on the relocation of Futenma Air Station? If yes, what influence does it have?

Minister Gemba: I think that the highly inappropriate remarks made by former Director-General Tanaka of the Okinawa Defense Bureau increased the difficulty of the circumstances surrounding Okinawa, as I have been reiterating. You asked various questions about Minister Ichikawa, but all I can say is that I would like to rebuild a relationship of trust with Okinawa step by step from now on.

Noguchi, Nippon Television: There are some voices within the ruling coalition saying that the Prime Minister under his responsibility should dismiss the Minister of Defense rather than wait for the Minister's resignation. What is your opinion?

Minister: I suppose that is what exactly the Prime Minister will determine.

2. Transfer of Royal Archives to Republic of Korea

Noguchi, Nippon Television: The transfer of the Royal Protocol of the Joseon Dynasty will take place today. The Royal Protocol will be sent to the Republic of Korea by air. Would you give us your comments on this matter as Minister for Foreign Affairs?

Minister: This arrangement has been fixed in a law last year, during the Kan Administration and the Protocol will be transferred this afternoon before the expiration of the deadline. There are various issues including obstacles in the bilateral relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea. However, we expect that the transfer will help improving the mutual public sentiment and so forth. In the first place, as I have always been reiterating, Japan and the Republic of Korea share strategic interests. It is also  a multi-layered relationship. I think the decision was made last year with the overall consideration of the situation, and because it is a commitment, I think the transfer should take effect.

3. Issue of Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan

Sakai, Sankei Shimbun: With regard to the Futenma issue, former Prime Minister Hatoyama, in a speech yesterday, said that Japan should continue efforts to find a suitable place other than Henoko. While the Noda Administration is advancing the relocation of Futenma Air Station to Henoko, the DPJ's member who experienced the post of Prime Minister makes such a remark once again? Furthermore, although he might be thinking that he is responsible for the involvement of the matter because he experienced the post of Prime Minister, we are afraid that his excess involvement will result in confusion. What do you think of such a remark of his stating that Japan should find a place other than Henoko?

Minister: I do not have any comments. As for myself, I shall make every effort step by step. In any case, as a matter of fact, we must make all possible efforts to rebuild a relationship of trust with Okinawa and Okinawan people.

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