Press Conferences

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Firstly, I would like to speak about missile launches by North Korea.

Today, January 11 at around 7:25 a.m., North Korea launched at least one possible ballistic missile from an inland area of the country toward the east. The details are currently being analyzed. The series of actions by North Korea, including its repeated launches of ballistic missiles and the like so far, pose a threat to the peace and stability of Japan, the region, and the international community. Japan strongly condemns such actions.

During the Japan-U.S. “2+2” last week on January 7, we shared strong concerns about North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities, including its ballistic missile launch on January 5. We completely agreed with the United States on the complete denuclearization of North Korea based on the United Nations Security Council resolutions. In addition, many countries are condemning North Korea’s actions, and a United Nations Security Council meeting was convened this morning in New York, the United States due to the missile launch on January 5. Amidst such development, it is extremely regrettable that North Korea is continuing to conduct missile launches.

Going forward, we will continue to have close Japan-U.S. cooperation and Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) cooperation. While collaborating with the international community, we will advance the complete implementation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and aim for the complete denuclearization of North Korea. That is all from me.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Abe: I would like to ask about North Korea’s launches of projectiles believed to have been missiles, which you introduced in your opening remarks. As you stated, there was a repeated launch following on from last week. Please tell us whether you lodged a protest through diplomatic channels in response to the launch.

Minister Hayashi: The details of the launch are currently being analyzed. We will respond appropriately based on the results of the information gathering and analysis.

Nikkei Shimbun, Miki: Concerning the question just now, at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Division of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) held a short while ago, the Division Director made a statement asking for further consideration, including on enemy base strike capabilities, due to North Korea’s repeated missile launches. What is the Government of Japan’s view at this stage regarding the possession of enemy base strike capabilities, given North Korea’s missile launch this time around?

Minister Hayashi: I would like to refrain from commenting on individual discussions by the LDP. Prime Minister Kishida has issued instructions regarding consideration on all options, including enemy base strike capabilities. Based on these instructions, we will firmly move forward in cooperation with the ministries and agencies concerned.

Chugoku Shimbun, Higuchi: At his press conference this morning, Prime Minister Kishida stated that due to the current surge in novel coronavirus cases in the vicinity of U.S. bases, the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee will firmly discuss issues related to the stationing of the USFJ. What are the specific issues right now? Many have pointed out that the USFJ’s tests for infection are considerably not in accordance with Japan’s rules. In addition, there was already an announcement regarding restrictions on off-base activities, but many have pointed out that it is quite difficult to enforce those restrictions. Specifically, what are the challenges right now? Given the rapidly rising number of novel coronavirus cases, I believe prompt discussions are necessary. What are your thoughts on the timing and schedule of the discussions?

Minister Hayashi: As you just stated, Prime Minister Kishida recently issued instructions for Japan and the United States to firmly discuss health and hygiene issues related to the stationing of the USFJ in the Japan-U.S. Joint Council based on the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

Based on such instruction, the recent statement announced that under the auspices of the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee, the governments of Japan and the United States will cooperate in sharing relevant case information and consulting closely regarding additional measures to manage and minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus as appropriate.

The Government of Japan will respond speedily to further strengthen Japan-U.S. cooperation regarding health and hygiene issues toward preventing the spike in infections and alleviating local concerns while monitoring the infections conditions, through constructive consultations between the Japanese and U.S. authorities based on the recent statement.

Chugoku Shimbun, Higuchi: Thank you. I understand that you will respond speedily. In terms of the specific issues, for example, there is the issue of the testing system that many have pointed out to be problematic. Will you not consult with the U.S. side to review such matters?

Minister Hayashi: Although I believe I am repeating what I just stated, our repeated protests, including on pre-departure and post-arrival testing to manage and minimize the spread of novel coronavirus, and sharing of relevant case information has led to the joint statement. I believe we will discuss health and hygiene challenges including what I have just stated.

Asahi Shimbun, Sawai: I would like to ask a related question. On the other hand, Representative Izumi of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), the main opposition party, has stated that the CDP will request a revision of the SOFA, as he pointed out that quarantine for the USFJ should be made to have the same requirement as in Japan. I believe this will become a focus in the ordinary session of the Diet beginning next week. You have been stating that there is no need to revise the SOFA. Please tell us again the reason why it is not necessary.

Minister Hayashi: The Government of Japan has been explaining that we have no intention of reviewing the SOFA. Additionally, as you just stated in your question, based on the Prime Minister’s instructions, regarding the health and hygiene issues concerning the stationing of the USFJ, we will further strengthen Japan-U.S. cooperation toward preventing the spread of novel coronavirus and alleviating local concerns through the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee based on the Japan-U.S. SOFA.

The Japan-U.S. SOFA is a major legal framework that includes the agreed minutes. The Government of Japan has been responding to each specific issue through the most appropriate measures to effectively and swiftly deal with them depending on the case. For this case as well, to alleviate local concerns, we will continue to have close Japan-U.S. cooperation, appropriately and swiftly respond, and thoroughly work to prevent the spike in novel coronavirus infections in Japan.

Asahi Shimbun, Nohira: I would like to ask about the review of the number of members of the House of Representatives. In the so-called “10-increase, 10-decrease,” your home prefecture of Yamaguchi will lose one constituency. It has been pointed out that this will make it difficult to reflect the voices of people in the regions. What is your reaction?

Minister Hayashi: I am aware of the reports regarding various discussions in the political parties. However, I would like to refrain from commenting as this is outside the jurisdiction of MOFA.

NHK, Aoki: Although there was an announcement to maintain the basic structure of the border measures until the end of February, it also included that the government will make the necessary response from a humanitarian perspective and a perspective of national interests. Please tell us if there are any specific presumed cases in terms of the necessary response.

Minister Hayashi: I did not quite understand what you said at the end.

NHK, Aoki: Please tell us if you are aware of any presumed cases the government will respond to from a humanitarian perspective and a perspective of national interests.

Minister Hayashi: As Prime Minister Kishida stated in his press conference this morning, the Government of Japan has decided to maintain the basic structure of the current border measures for the time being until the end of February while responding as necessary from a humanitarian perspective and a perspective of national interests.

So far, we have allowed entry into Japan by people who require humanitarian consideration based on individual circumstances while taking necessary infection prevention measures. I believe we will continue to respond while considering individual circumstances.