Press Conferences

Asahi Shimbun, Aibara: I would like to ask about Tonga. In his press conference yesterday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno stated that a request for support was received from the Government of Tonga. Please tell us the Government of Japan’s current policies concerning support, as well as the status of preparation.

Ms. ONO Hikariko, Press Secretary: On January 18, the Government of Tonga issued a press release as the first report following the volcanic eruption. According to the press release, the volcanic eruption on January 15 caused a tsunami of up to 15 meters in height to reach the west side of the island where the capital is located. To date, three deaths and many injuries have been confirmed, and over 100 houses have been either partially or completely destroyed.

In addition, there has been damage to the telecommunications infrastructure that connects Tonga within and outside the country. This has particularly caused difficulties with international phone calls and the use of the internet. The damage situation is still being confirmed. It will take some time to get a full grasp of the damage. Based on this situation, the Government of Japan will continue to work to gather accurate information in Tonga and exert all efforts to protect Japanese nationals who reside there.

About specific support which you mentioned in your question, as you pointed out, we have already received a request for support from the Government of Tonga. Coordination is currently underway between the Government of Tonga.

Concerning the transportation methods, we will coordinate as we ascertain the local situation. We are currently trying to coordinate earnestly. We will give you all the explanations as soon as possible at an appropriate time when the coordination is completed.

Asahi Shimbun, Aibara: First of all, is there any specific item that Tonga seems to be short of now? In addition, Tonga has of course been implementing novel coronavirus countermeasures, and now this disaster has occurred. For example, will Japan use its sort of way to provide support? Or will Japan communicate with countries such as the United States and Australia to create some sort of framework? What is currently being considered regarding the policy?

Press Secretary Ono: About the local needs for support, as I have just stated, we are currently working with the Government of Tonga, so I cannot say anything specific now. We have already been sharing information and consulting with relevant countries such as Australia and New Zealand. We are considering the appropriate response based on that and will announce a future timing.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Yoda: It was announced that the Japan-France “2+2” will be held tomorrow. Please tell us what specific themes will be discussed between the two countries. To add, is it correct to assume that negotiations toward concluding a Reciprocal Access Agreement will be a topic of discussion?

Press Secretary Ono: Regarding the so-called “2+2” between Japan and France, as Foreign Minister Hayashi recently stated in his press conference, France is a special partner with which we share fundamental values and strategic interests, so the ministers will have wide-ranging discussions regarding Japan-France security and defense cooperation as well as regional affairs. The significance of the consultations this time is that they will further strengthen cooperation through such discussion.

In that sense, there will be discussions on a wide range of issues. About a Reciprocal Access Agreement, at this point, the United Kingdom is the only country with which Japan is engaged in negotiations, as you might be well aware. I would like to refrain from answering at this point on whether there will be a discussion on this issue or not.

Tribune News, Susilo: Congratulations on your appointment to Press Secretary.

Press Secretary Ono: Yes, thank you.

Tribune News, Susilo: There is something I am concerned about. It is about the authority of Japanese ambassadors abroad. If it is a political issue, it is easy for ambassadors to issue their letters. For example, an ambassador could issue his or her letter for the Japanese nationals in the country if war broke out, a missile was launched, an infectious disease began spreading there, and the like.

However, for the sake of private companies and trade, for example, Japanese ambassadors would like to oppose the implementation of new export measures by the country. Would it be possible for an ambassador to immediately send a letter to the country’s minister of the ambassador’s own volition without consulting with Tokyo? What is the extent of ambassadors’ authority? Can they immediately send their letter all on their initiative?

Press Secretary Ono: I am not sure what you specifically have in mind on what you just asked. Generally speaking, Japanese ambassadors stationed in various countries are representatives of the Government of Japan to that country. They conduct important duties such as negotiations and communication with that country’s government, collection and analysis of political, economic, and other information, public relations and cultural activities, and protecting the lives and assets of Japanese nationals. When they make statements and carry out work in their position as Japanese ambassadors, they always do so in close communication with the Government of Japan.

Accordingly, issuing letters is part of the usual diplomatic activities of ambassadors in their position as representatives of the Government of Japan. They always properly communicate and seek a decision from Tokyo on whether they will or will not issue letters as well as about its content. It is usually difficult to imagine ambassadors issuing letters in their official position based entirely on their initiative.

NHK, Okano: I would like to return to the subject of Tonga. Is it accurate to assume that there is no change to the situation that no damage has been confirmed for Japanese nationals who live there? Have you confirmed the damage based on proper contact with the roughly 40 Japanese nationals who have submitted Overseas Residential Registration?

Press Secretary Ono: There has been no particular change to the situation regarding Japanese nationals living in Tonga since the report by Foreign Minister Hayashi in his press conference. We confirmed the roughly 40 Japanese nationals and have not received any information on damage, and there has been no particular change to that.