Japan and the United Nations
Meeting between Prime Minister TAKAICHI and Mr. Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
September 22, 2026
On September 22, commencing at 3:30 p.m. local time (4:30 a.m on September 23, Japan time) for approximately 10 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, who was visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
- At the outset, Prime Minister TAKAICHI stated that she was pleased to meet again with Secretary-General Guterres, following their meeting during his visit to Japan in May this year. In response, Secretary-General Guterres expressed his gratitude for Japan’s cooperation.
- Prime Minister Takaichi confirmed Japan’s cooperation in UN reform, including the UN80 Initiative, for the realization of a more resilient and effective UN, and stated that Security Council reform, including the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent Security Council categories, is indispensable. She also reiterated the request for an increase in Japanese staff members at UN-related agencies. In response, Secretary-General Guterres expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support for UN activities, and also conveyed his expectations for Japan’s contributions to the efforts towards UN reform.
- In addition, the two leaders also concurred to cooperate on policies toward North Korea including the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.