Internet Press Chat Conference 8 September 2005
- Provision of additional emergency assistance supply in response to the damages caused by Hurricane Katrina
- Invitation program to Japan for journalists interested in Japanese anime
- Signing of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Canada concerning cooperation on anticompetitive activities
- Follow-up questions concerning invitation program on Japanese anime
- Questions concerning Six-Party Talks
- Provision of additional emergency assistance supply in response to the damages caused by Hurricane Katrina
Deputy Press Secretary Tomohiko Taniguchi: Good afternoon. Thank you for joining the regular chat conference. Let me make several announcements before I take questions.
In response to the expanding damage caused by the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, the Government of Japan is going to notify the Government of the United States of America that the Japanese Government is prepared to newly provide, according to the needs of the affected region, emergency assistance supply amounting to US$500,000 (such as large tents, beddings, and first aid kits), as an additional assistance measure contributing to the rescue and relief efforts. Combining this additional assistance measure and the assistance measures announced on 2 September (i.e., provision of US$200,000 to the American Red Cross and provision of emergency assistance supply amounting to up to US$300,000), the total assistance announced by the Japanese Government in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina amounts to US$1.0 million dollars.
- Invitation program to Japan for journalists interested in Japanese anime
Mr. Taniguchi: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will invite 10 newspaper or magazine reporters covering cultural matters from Asian countries and a region from 26 September (Mon) to 6 October (Thu), in order to provide them with an opportunity to learn more about pop culture, in particular the width and breadth of the world of Japanese anime that enjoys high popularity in Asian countries, as a new form of Japanese culture, and to make this aspect of "Cool Japan" widely known in their respective countries. During their stay in Japan, the invitees, two each from the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong, and one each from the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Thailand, Malaysia, the Republic of the Philippines, and the State of Brunei Darussalam, will meet anime specialists, visit relevant facilities, receive briefings from experts knowledgeable about modern Japanese culture, visit newspaper companies, see a play in Tokyo, and tour Kyoto and Nara.
- Signing of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Canada concerning cooperation on anticompetitive activities
Mr. Taniguchi: On 6 September, the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Canada concerning cooperation on anticompetitive activities was signed in Ottawa by Mr. Sadaaki Numata, Japanese Ambassador to Canada, and Ms. Sheridan Scott, Commissioner of Competition, Department of Industry. The Agreement is expected to lead to effective enforcement measures against international anticompetitive activities, development of cooperation between the competition authorities of Japan and Canada, and avoidance of conflicts concerning extraterritorial execution of the jurisdiction of Canadian competition laws. The Agreement contains the five following major elements: notification, cooperation, coordination, request for enforcement activities and consideration of important interests. Since November 2002, the Delegations of Japan and Canada held several rounds of negotiations. As a result, they have reached agreements in principle on major elements of the Agreement in January 2005. Subsequently, the Governments of Japan and Canada concluded their respective domestic processes and signed the Agreement. This Agreement will enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date of the signature; 6 October 2005.
In the past practice, Japan has already concluded cooperation agreements on anti-competitive activities with the US in October 1999 and with the European Community in July 2003 respectively.
- Follow-up questions concerning invitation program on Japanese anime
Q: Good afternoon sir. I would like to ask you sir if this kind of invitation program to Japan for journalists interested in Japanese anime is the first time this is being done? May I ask why this program has been decided to be launched at this time?
Mr. Taniguchi: This is the very first time we are doing this.
We have long been aware that Japanese pop culture in general and "anime" in particular have become very much popular among youngsters in Asia. You may say that our attempt is to catch up with this ongoing trend. The aim is to let as many people in Asia as possible be aware of what is called "Cool Japan."
Q: Mr. Taniguchi, regarding the invitation program for Asian journalists to learn more about Japanese pop culture, do you have a plan to expand this program to journalists from other regions in the future, as anime is also very popular in Arab and other countries?
Mr. Taniguchi: Budget permitting I would very much like to. Indeed I am very curious about how Japanese pop culture is accepted in Muslim nations.
- Questions concerning Six-Party Talks
Q: Good afternoon, Mr. Taniguchi. Media reports said today that China announced that the Six-Party Talks will resume on 13 September. May I know whether this has also been confirmed by the Japanese Government? And could you give me more details?
Mr. Taniguchi: The Government of Japan is aware that the Chinese Foreign Ministry made an announcement at about 15:00 this afternoon that the Six-Party Talks will start again on 13 September. In the talks it is vitally important that North Korea shows a clear commitment to dismantle all sorts of nuclear weaponry and nuclear programs. The Japanese Government will continue to work closely with other parties so that the resumed talks will result in concrete outcomes.
Q: How do you see the prospects for the latest Six-Party Talks? Do you have the feeling that the latest talks could finally break the impasse, or would it just be another delaying tactic of North Korea?
Mr. Taniguchi: I think I have covered your question.
Q: Sir, how long do you foresee the talks to last? Are there any plans for Japan to officially or unofficially talk with relevant parties on the agenda of the Six-Party Talks just before it takes place on Tuesday?
Mr. Taniguchi: You know and I know that it is impossible at this point to see how long the talks will continue. One can only hope that it will end with concrete results sooner rather than later. In terms of talks with other parties there will certainly be such occasions in the premises of the Six-Party Talks but I should like to refrain from giving you the details on where and when at this stage.
Q: So there is no specific timetable as to how long the talks could possibly last?
Mr. Taniguchi: You are right.
As it seems that you have no more questions, I would like to end today's Regular Internet Chat Press Conference. See you at the next Regular Internet Chat Press Conference.
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