Press Conferences

Mainichi Shimbun, Kaite: I would like to ask about Sado Island Gold Mines. I have heard that a formal objections system was introduced to the Memory of the World Program with the leadership of Japan. It has been pointed out that this rule does not apply to World Cultural Heritage. Please tell us your opinion on whether it is a completely separate rule or whether it should be taken into account since Japan has led the UNESCO reform.

Ms. ONO Hikariko, Press Secretary: As you stated in your question, due to Japan’s leadership in reforming the system of the Memory of the World Program, a formal objections system was introduced by the UNESCO Member States in April 2021. The system entails that if a formal objection is made, the inscription procedures cannot proceed until there is a resolution through dialogue among the countries concerned.

In contrast to this, World Heritage registration is decided by the World Heritage Committee comprising 21 countries among the State Parties to the World Heritage Convention. If a vote is taken on World Heritage registration within the World Heritage Committee, decisions are made based on a two-thirds majority. Effectively, the operation is based on decisions made through consensus.

Furthermore, following the system reform in the Memory of the World Program in April 2021 that I just mentioned, the World Heritage Committee adopted working guidelines encouraging dialogue among the parties concerned at the stage before submission of recommendations in July 2021. That is the current situation.

I believe that covers the points in your question. Regarding Sado Island Gold Mines, there is currently no change to the situation in which we are advancing comprehensive consideration from the perspective of what would be most effective to realize the registration. That is the situation.

Radio France, Nishimura: Thank you. I would like to ask about the border measures. An increasing number of people are speaking up about this issue both in and outside Japan. Given such a situation, what is the Government of Japan considering in terms of relaxing the border measures going forward?

Press Secretary Ono: About the Government of Japan’s response to the Omicron variant, from the viewpoint of responding with the utmost care, we have been implementing the strictest measures within the G7. While minimizing the influx of the Omicron variant, we have secured time to prepare for an increasing number of cases in Japan.

At this point, there is a clear difference in the Omicron variant infection conditions inside and outside Japan. We will continue to maintain the framework of the current border measures for the time being until the end of February while responding as necessary from a humanitarian perspective and based on national interest.

On the other hand, for example, as you stated in your question, we are aware of what is being pointed out about our border measures, including the letter from American researchers studying Japan. Based on this situation, although we have been conducting stricter control of new entry into Japan based on “special exceptional circumstances,” our policy is to continue to take necessary and appropriate responses while considering individual circumstances. For example, for cases of entry into Japan by exchange students and researchers, we will take into account their circumstances.

Radio France, Nishimura: Related to that point, does MOFA, the Ministry of Justice and other ministries agree on the border measures?

Press Secretary Ono: Well, I believe that the answer is that they agree in the sense that the border measures are decided by the entire government taking into consideration of various factors.

Radio France, Nishimura: I would like to ask about the Technical Intern Training Program. If some sort of trouble arises regarding foreign national technical intern trainees, does MOFA receive an inquiry from the embassy of the person’s country? Has MOFA ever taken charge of the matter somehow or is there a possibility that MOFA could do so?

Press Secretary Ono: MOFA is not the ministry in charge of technical intern trainees which you mentioned. Please inquire with the ministry in charge. As for MOFA, we are involved on a case-by-case basis. If an issue arises, it is possible that MOFA could play a role depending on the case after deliberation within the government.