Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Last Friday, September 29, I attended a luncheon meeting hosted by the Ambassador of Poland. The luncheon meeting was with ambassadors of the Bucharest 9, which are nine countries on NATO’s eastern flank, namely, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania, as well as with ambassadors of the United States, Ukraine, and Moldova. This was round one of my diplomatic activities in Japan.

I was told that the impressive music hall at the Embassy of Poland, which served as the venue, plays a role in promoting the culture of Poland, the country that gave birth to Chopin. I would not have known this if I had not gone there in person. In this sense, I was reminded firsthand of the importance of actively visiting different places in person.

The ambassadors of the 12 countries that attended the luncheon meeting, and I held a fruitful exchange of views in a very nice atmosphere. I explained Japan’s foreign policy, including Japan-China, Japan-Republic of Korea, and Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea relations, as well as Japan’s position on wide-ranging issues, such as the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea. In addition, I discussed the outcomes from the recent United Nations (UN) General Assembly session, including Japan’s initiatives for advancing “Women, Peace and Security (WPS).”

It is important to conduct proactive and effective diplomatic outreach even here in Japan. I intend to continue outreach activities, so stay tuned for rounds two, three, and more.

That is all from me.

NHK, Igarashi: I have a question related to Ukraine. Some media outlets have reported that, as early as today, the leaders of Japan, the U.S., and like-minded countries in Europe will hold an online meeting on Ukraine, which has been subject to Russia’s military invasion. Are the reports true? Please explain again your view on support for Ukraine.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware of the reports you mentioned. However, nothing has been decided about holding a meeting.

Japan has pledged and provided a total of approximately 7.6 billion U.S. dollars for Ukraine-related support. We will continue to provide detailed support that only Japan can offer in close contact with the Ukrainian people.

Furthermore, at the end of last year, I worked as the initiator and representative of a group of voluntary legislators as part of the Winterization Assistance Initiative JAPAN for Sending Generators to the People of Ukraine. Personally, I am well aware of the initiative’s importance. I will continue to work on support for Ukraine.

Japan Times, Ninivaggi: Two weeks ago, you held a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba in the United States and indicated that Japan would continue to provide support. In contrast, support for Ukraine was excluded from the stop-gap budget bill passed recently in the U.S. Congress, while the party opposing support for Ukraine won the Slovakian general elections last weekend.

We are seeing signs of Western countries losing interest in Ukraine, with the war at a deadlock and as challenges pile up including rising infrastructure and energy costs due to the sanctions on Russia. What are your thoughts on the so-called Ukraine aid fatigue and the possibility of it extending in Japan as well?

Minister Kamikawa: First, We have recognized that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act, which shakes the very foundation of the international order. The security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are inseparable, Japan has responded to this issue as its own issue.

As the G7 Presidency, Japan will exercise leadership in strongly continuing sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine, in order to end Russia’s aggression and achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.

I conveyed this directly to Foreign Minister Kuleba at the Japan-Ukraine Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that was held during the recent UN High-Level Week.

Regarding the issues you noted, I believe it is not appropriate for the Government to assess them. Japan will continue to stand by Ukraine based on the basic position I just mentioned.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I have a question on Diet member SUZUKI Muneo’s visit to Russia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia announced that Diet member Suzuki and Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko held a meeting on October 2. Please tell us what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) knows about this visit, and its reaction. In addition, the Russian side states in its announcement that Japan’s sanctions against Russia are regrettable and are not in line with Japanese national interests and the will of the Japanese people. Please also tell us your reaction to this.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware of the reports and the Russian announcement.

The Government basically issues at least a level 3 “avoid all travel” travel advice and warning for all of Russia, and we are urging citizens to avoid traveling to Russia for any purpose.

That said, the Government is not in a position to respond about the purpose of House of Councillors member Suzuki’s visit to Russia or the details of his itinerary.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act, which shakes the very foundation of the international order. Japan has and will continue to proceed with diplomatic efforts, including implementing severe sanctions against Russia in coordination with the G7 and the rest of the international community.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I would like to ask about the issue surrounding Johnny & Associates. You have devoted great efforts to eradicating sexual crimes and sexual violence, including launching the Parliamentary Association for a Society Free from Sexual Violence and serving as its chair. The issue in question has developed into a social issue after the UK’s BBC reported on it in March of this year. Subsequently, it has garnered significant international attention, with the UN Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Business and Human Rights visiting Japan to conduct an investigation. First, regarding the recent series of events, please share with us your views as a Diet member who has been working to eradicate sexual violence. Do you think that the decisions and actions taken by Johnny & Associates this time were appropriate? In addition, the post of Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan for international human rights issues was eliminated in last month’s cabinet reshuffle. Given what is happening domestically, do you consider that Prime Minister Kishida’s decision to eliminate this post was appropriate?

Minister Kamikawa: First, I as a Diet member would like to refrain from responding to this matter, or from commenting on a company’s actions and business decisions, as well as personnel decisions made in the cabinet reshuffle.

That being said, no one should become a victim of sexual crime or sexual violence, regardless of gender, and especially children and young people no matter what circumstances they are in. I have been engaged in efforts to support victims of sexual crimes and sexual violence. Victims are increasingly speaking out with courage, and the Government has been working to realize a society without such crimes and violence. However, we are still only halfway toward our goal.

We must steadily implement measures and produce results to realize a society where all children and young people can live with peace of mind, under programs including the “Emergency Action Package for Preventing Sexual Victimization of Children and Youth” that was recently compiled by relevant ministries. I, as a member of the Kishida Cabinet, will make earnest efforts to move in this direction based on the policy of the Kishida Cabinet.

At MOFA, we have an Ambassador for Human Rights. Additionally, State Minister Tsuji and Parliamentary Vice-Minister Fukazawa are responsible for human rights. Under my leadership, we will work collectively to address human rights issues as diplomatic issues.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: My question is strategy. What are the main pillars of Japan’s foreign diplomacy for the second Cabinet of Prime Minister Kishida especially toward the Middle East where the half of Japan’s energy or sources there. You import most of your energy from there. There are a lot of hotspots of instability in the Middle East especially the Israeli preoccupation of Palestine and Iran in some Arab’s opinions. It also shakes the international foundation of the international society. So do you have any breaking through initiative toward the Middle East area? Thank you.

Minister Kamikawa: Thank you very much.

The Middle East region has significant potential. It is not only rich in energy resources but is also located in critical sea lanes. Japan relies on the Middle East for approximately 90% of its crude oil imports. Peace and stability in the Middle East are crucial from the perspective of energy security.

On the other hand, the Middle East region is still in a situation of concern, including severe humanitarian conditions in countries such as Syria and Yemen, tensions between Israel and Palestine, and Iran’s nuclear issue.

At the third Japan-Arab Political Dialogue held in Cairo, Egypt last month, we called for the policy for future cooperation with the Middle East region under the following three pillars: (1) strengthening economic relationship from a long-term perspective in a wide range of areas with Middle Eastern countries; (2) consolidation of peace; and (3) maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

I will take over these three pillars and deepen cooperation between Japan and the Middle East across a range of fields.

We recently discussed cooperation in decarbonization and various other fields with H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Special Envoy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Japan, who visited Japan last week. We hope to continue policy cooperation, including in a variety of new fields.

Tomorrow, I will attend a luncheon meeting with ambassadors of Arab countries, and I intend to hold dialogues in this respect.

In addition, tensions run high between Israel and Palestine over the Middle East peace issue. Japan is closely monitoring the developments with concern. It is important above all that both sides refrain from unilateral actions and measures. Japan supports a “two-state solution” whereby Israel and a future independent Palestinian state live side by side in peace and security. Japan will make efforts to promote confidence-building between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides through its unique efforts, including the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I would like to ask about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. The number of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia has exceeded 100,000 since Azerbaijan’s military operation. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is also calling for assistance from the international community. Does the Government of Japan intend to provide any assistance?

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware that, as a result of Azerbaijan’s military activities on September 19, there are more than 100,000 refugees as of October 2, local time, and that United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Grandi is calling for assistance from the international community.

The Government of Japan is considering necessary assistance, bearing in mind the human security needs while working to gather information on the situation on the ground.

NHK, Igarashi: I have a follow-up question on Diet member Suzuki’s visit to Russia. A Japanese Diet member’s visit to Russia has come to light for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine began. Did MOFA know about the visit in advance? Although Japan as a G7 member imposes sanctions on Russia, do you yourself condone Diet member Suzuki’s actions?

Minister Kamikawa: The Government was not notified by House of Councillors member Suzuki of his visit to Russia, neither in advance nor afterwards.