Press Conferences

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: As stated in my statement issued this morning, today marks one year since the coup d’état in Myanmar on February 1 last year. Japan expresses concern about the continued lack of action to improve the situation. Japan takes this opportunity to once again strongly urge the Myanmar military to take concrete actions to immediately stop the violence, release those who are detained, and swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system.

In addition, I strongly condemn the situation in Myanmar where the use of violence is causing a large number of deaths, despite repeated calls for restraint by the international community. I offer my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their lives over the past year as a result of such violence. Japan urges restraint of violence and a peaceful solution to restore peace and stability in Myanmar.

Japan will continue to work closely with the international community including ASEAN and make utmost efforts to improve the situation in Myanmar, to ensure the steady implementation of ASEAN’s “Five-Point Consensus,” such as the dispatch of the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy and the start of a dialogue among all stakeholders, including pro-democracy groups.

Amid the ongoing difficult conditions, humanitarian support for the people of Myanmar is an urgent challenge. Japan will continue to actively provide humanitarian support and pay close attention to the needs of the people of Myanmar, who are facing difficult circumstances. To that end, Japan once again urges the Myanmar military to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, to ensure that humanitarian support reaches those in need. That is all from me.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Abe: I would like to ask about North Korea. North Korea has been launching missiles one after the other. Please tell us how Japan and the United States will urge North Korea, as well as how Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) will urge them. Moreover, the Government of Japan has been using the phrase “high level of intensity” in response to the recent missile launches, but some people have pointed out that this phrase is hard to understand. Please tell us the meaning of and the thinking behind the use of the phrase “high level of intensity.”

Minister Hayashi: Particularly since the beginning of 2022, North Korea has been repeatedly launching missiles in an unprecedentedly high frequency and new manner. Amidst this situation, I believe it is absolutely unforgivable that this time North Korea unilaterally escalated the level of provocation by launching a ballistic missile that appears to have been a “Hwasong-12” intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).

This series of actions by North Korea, including ballistic missile launches with a high level of intensity such as the recent one, pose a threat to the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. Such ballistic missile launches also violate the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The Government of Japan has been strongly condemning this by lodging strong protests to North Korea through the embassy route in Beijing.

Japan has been closely cooperating with the United States and the ROK regarding this issue, including holding a telephone consultation among the leading officials of the Six-Party Talks on the same day as the January 30 missile launch.

Going forward, while conducting close Japan-U.S. and Japan-U.S.-ROK cooperation as well as cooperating with the international community, we will promote the complete implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and aim to achieve the denuclearization of North Korea.

Regarding the phrase “high level of intensity,” although I am repeating myself a little, particularly since the beginning of 2022, North Korea has been repeatedly launching missiles in an unprecedentedly high frequency and new manner. Additionally, North Korea has unilaterally escalated the level of provocation including by launching a ballistic missile that appears to have been a “Hwasong-12” IRBM. In response to these actions by North Korea that pose a threat to the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community, Japan has strongly condemned them as launches with a “high level of intensity.”

Niigata Nippo, Endo: I would like to ask about Sado Island Gold Mines. The recommendation of Sado Island Gold Mines was approved at the Cabinet meeting today. The ROK has again opposed this by saying the mines were a site of forced labor. How...

Minister Hayashi: It is hard to catch what you are saying.

Niigata Nippo, Endo: The ROK is opposing the recommendation by saying the mines were a site of forced labor. How will you respond? In addition, a task force will be established within the Government. Please tell us your thoughts on how MOFA will work regarding the task force.

Minister Hayashi: Firstly, regarding the task force, it has been decided to establish the Task Force for World Heritage Registration with the participation of relevant ministries and agencies including MOFA, and it will be headed by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Takizaki. Please inquire with the Cabinet Secretariat for details such as its members and when it will be established. We will hold discussions in a composed and careful manner so that the profound value of Sado Island Gold Mines as cultural heritage will be highly appreciated. MOFA will firmly work in cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies, including the Agency for Cultural Affairs, toward the registration.

Concerning our talks with the ROK, the Japanese Ambassador to the ROK Aiboshi met with the 2nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jongmoon of the ROK at their request on January 28.

During the meeting, the 2nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi made statements based on the ROK’s claims about Sado Island Gold Mines, and Ambassador Aiboshi protested that the ROK’s claims are unacceptable.

We would like to have discussions in a composed and careful manner with the ROK so that the profound value of Sado Island Gold Mines as cultural heritage will be highly appreciated.

Sankei Shimbun, Sugimoto: In relation to this, the ROK has protested the recommendation of Sado Island Gold Mines. How do you think this will affect Japan-ROK relations in general?

Minister Hayashi: It is as I stated before regarding the discussion during Ambassador Aiboshi’s meeting at the request of the ROK. In response, Ambassador Aiboshi protested that the ROK’s claims are unacceptable.

About our relations with the ROK, we would like to sincerely hold discussions in a composed and careful manner.

Sankei Shimbun, Sugimoto: I would like to ask a frank question. Will this not cause Japan-ROK relations to worsen?

Minister Hayashi: Sado Island Gold Mines of Japan have high value as a rare industrial heritage site that was large-scale and had long-term operations utilizing Japan’s unique traditional handwork in the Edo period. I believe this is a matter of culture. I believe that we need to sincerely respond and hold discussions in a composed and careful manner so that this does not adversely affect the highly important Japan-ROK relations.

ROK Channel A, Kim: I would like to speak further about Sado Island Gold Mines. It will be through the TF team going forward.

Minister Hayashi: Do you mean the task force?

ROK Channel A, Kim: Yes, yes. Will it be possible to request talks with the ROK and changes to the content going forward? Changes to the content of the recommendation.

Minister Hayashi: It is as I stated before regarding the task force. As I stated before, going forward, we will hold discussions in a composed and careful manner so that the profound value of Sado Island Gold Mines as cultural heritage will be highly appreciated, and MOFA will firmly work in cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies toward the registration of Sado Island Gold Mines.

Kyodo News, Maeda: I would like to ask for more details regarding the ROK’s protest and Japan’s explanation regarding Sado Island Gold Mines. You introduced the discussion conducted by Ambassador Aiboshi earlier, and I believe you stated the ROK’s claims and Japan’s position that they were unacceptable to Japan. I believe the ROK claims there was forced labor, so could you please provide more details on that?

Minister Hayashi: The ROK’s claim that, for example, forced labor took place at Sado Island Gold Mines, is unacceptable based on Japan’s position.

Asahi Shimbun, Nohira: I would like to ask about the novel coronavirus infections among the USFJ. It has been revealed that the antigen tests conducted by the USFJ were qualitative antigen tests rather than quantitative antigen tests. I believe that Japan has been requesting the USFJ to take measures in conformance with Japan’s measures. Please tell us your view on whether the United States’ measures were appropriate.

Minister Hayashi: We have been repeatedly making requests to the USFJ from the end of last year regarding testing before departure, upon arrival, and after entering Japan, and the U.S. Forces have been responding as necessary. We have also been repeatedly making requests and confirming what you just mentioned as well. The U.S. Forces answered that they are conducting qualitative antigen tests based on the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We will establish the Subcommittee on Quarantine and Hygiene based on Prime Minister Kishida’s instructions. I believe that going forward, we must firmly respond to the consultations through the Subcommittee.

Hokkaido Shimbun, Bun: I would like to ask about the situation in Ukraine. I believe that Japan’s MOFA is urging the families of staff of the Japanese embassy to return to Japan. Please tell us the current situation of the evacuation including of other Japanese nationals. Furthermore, diplomatic pressure toward easing tensions is continuing now, including between the United States and Russia and between NATO and Russia. Please tell us again whether the Government of Japan will speak with Russia toward easing tensions. Please answer those two questions.

Minister Hayashi: Firstly, about our recognition of the situation, the unpredictable situation is continuing in which there are high tensions due to the buildup of the Russian military in the border area of Ukraine. Although there have been developments in diplomatic efforts by relevant countries, it is possible that the situation could suddenly change. Japan has consistently supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. During the recent Japan-U.S. Summit Video Teleconference Meeting, the leaders committed to work closely to deter Russian aggression against Ukraine. We will continue to respond appropriately in cooperation with the international community, including the G7.

In addition, regarding the situation of the evacuation of embassy staff and their families, the Government of Japan is working to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals as a matter of utmost priority and is currently strongly recommending Japanese nationals to swiftly leave Ukraine using commercial flights.

At the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine, we are maintaining the necessary personnel structure under the Ambassador to focus on such work while paying attention to the unpredictable situation going forward. Additionally, we have been proceeding with the evacuation of the families of embassy personnel as well as some of the embassy personnel. We will continue to exert all efforts to protect Japanese nationals and appropriately respond based on the situation on the ground.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: Mr. Hayashi, you met with Minister of UAE, Sheikh Abdullah online last week and you condemned launching missiles by Houthis on the UAE and on civilian targets in Abu Dabi specifically. MOFA Overseas Safety and Security Division said in an update that on the UAE more attacks by Houthis can't be ruled out. I would like to know on which basis the Foreign Ministry made this evaluation and because it suggests that Houthis attack would continue. What is your position on that.

Minister Hayashi: As you just stated, I held a telephone talk with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdullah on January 28. I strongly condemned the recent series of attacks on the UAE and expressed condolences for the victims and their families.

The tense situation is continuing in Yemen, and the Houthis are suggesting that they will continue their attacks against the UAE through the media and social media. Actually, the Houthis conducted an attack yesterday, January 31. Japan will continue to work in cooperation with relevant countries toward maintaining and strengthening peace and stability in the Middle East and exert all efforts to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals residing in the UAE.

Chugoku Shimbun, Higuchi: I would like to follow up on the question asked earlier by the reporter from the Asahi Shimbun. In relation to the qualitative antigen tests conducted by the U.S. Forces, it is generally said that qualitative tests are less accurate compared to quantitative tests, and are not in conformance with Japan’s border measures. As stated in the previous press conference, Japan and the United States agreed in July 2020 to take joint steps for border measures, but that did not effectively function. Please tell us whether you intend to protest this situation and if you intend to request changes going forward.

Minister Hayashi: It is as I answered before. We have been repeatedly making requests to the U.S. Forces as necessary. Additionally, we have requested confirmation regarding the type of antigen test used and received an answer from the U.S. Forces. I believe that the newly established Subcommittee on Quarantine and Hygiene must conduct discussions that include points such as that.

Chugoku Shimbun, Higuchi: Is it correct to understand that at this point, you have no intention of making a request or asking for a change for improvement?

Minister Hayashi: As I stated before, we would like to have firm discussions about precisely that point in the Subcommittee on Quarantine and Hygiene under the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee, including expert opinions with the participation of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: According to a Bloomberg article on January 31, the U.S. Senate is close to agreeing on a Russia sanctions bill that could impose strong sanctions on Russia even before an invasion of Ukraine. During his video teleconference with President Biden on January 21, Prime Minister Kishida confirmed that strong actions should be taken, but that would be if Russia conducted some sort of aggression against Ukraine. If the United States decides to impose sanctions on Russia even if it does not invade Ukraine, would Japan follow suit, and what reason would it provide to justify the sanctions?

Minister Hayashi: The matter of how we would respond to a Russian invasion is a speculative question, and I would like to refrain from answering. Japan will continue to respond appropriately in cooperation with the international community, including the G7.