Press Conferences

NHK, Iwasawa: I would like to ask about the reopening of the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine. Please tell us the current status of consideration, regarding the reopening of the embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, such as the approximate timing of the reopening. In addition, please tell us your views on the local situation and security.

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: It is important to reopen the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine for close communication between Japan and Ukraine. During the telephone talk between Prime Minister Kishida and President Zelenskyy on September 30, Prime Minister Kishida explained Japan’s status of consideration towards reopening of the embassy.

Based on the information obtained from Ambassador Matsuda’s recent visit to Kyiv, we are moving forward with comprehensive consideration on reopening of the embassy in Kyiv.

Asahi Shimbun, Nohira: I would like to ask about the situation in Ukraine. Following President Putin’s announcement of the annexation of four regions in Ukraine, President Zelenskyy announced the plan to accelerate Ukraine’s application to join NATO. I believe that some member states have cautious views about this. Please tell us Japan’s position.

Minister Hayashi: I am aware that in his speech on September 30, President Zelenskyy announced that he would sign the application for NATO membership Japan is not a NATO member state, so I would like to refrain from answering based on speculation with regard to Ukraine’s application to join NATO.

If I were to say anything further, it would be that Japan stands with the people of Ukraine, who are doing their utmost to defend their sovereignty and territory as well as their homeland and families. We will continue to monitor with high interest the developments in the security environment surrounding Ukraine, including this matter.

In any case, the Government of Japan will unite with like-minded countries, including the G7, to continue to implement strong sanctions against Russia and support Ukraine.

TV Asahi, Sawai: I would like to ask about the consular officers of the Consulate-General of Japan in Vladivostok who was unjustly detained by Russia and declared a persona non grata. Have you directly heard about his situation after returning to Japan? Please tell us if you have heard anything new. In addition, there have been calls from within the Liberal Democratic Party for a firm response. Please tell us the current status of considerations on countermeasures.

Minister Hayashi: The consular officer returned to Japan on September 30, but I would like to refrain from giving any further details due to the nature of the matter.

As I stated on September 30 regarding this matter, it is absolutely not true that the consular officer of the Consulate-General of Japan in Vladivostok committed illegal activities as claimed by the Russian side. Russia’s actions, including its intimidating interrogation, are a clear and serious violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the Japan-Soviet Consular Convention. I believe Russia’s actions are extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable.

Additionally, the declaration of the consular officer as a persona non grata is an unbelievable act, and we have lodged a strong protest to the Russian side. We will continue to strongly urge Russia to take Japan’s protests and request seriously.

Moreover, we are currently conducting considerations on the “appropriate measures.” I would like to refrain from answering based on speculation about their content.

Jiji Press, Tanaka: I have a question about the situation in Ukraine. During his telephone talk with President Zelenskyy on September 30, Prime Minister Kishida stated that he will consider further sanctions in close cooperation with the G7. Please tell us the current status of considerations on additional sanctions.

Minister Hayashi: On September 30, President Putin gave a speech in which he stated that the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson regions of Ukraine would be “incorporated” into Russia and signed “incorporation treaties” for the four regions.

The purported “referenda” implemented in these regions of Ukraine and the purported “incorporation” of these regions by Russia infringe upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitute a violation of international law, and shall never be recognized. Japan strongly condemns such moves.

Japan will not tolerate any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force. We will continue to strongly urge Russia to immediately cease its aggression and withdraw its forces back to Russia. We will also continue to work firmly on the two pillars of strong sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine, in cooperation with the international community including the G7.

As for further sanctions against Russia, we are conducting considerations in cooperation with the G7 in light of the recent “referenda” and other such matters.

NHK, Iwasawa: I would like to ask about the riot that occurred in Indonesia. The day before yesterday, a riot occurred following a soccer match at a stadium in Indonesia, killing over 120 people. Please tell us the information that the Government of Japan currently knows, including if any Japanese nationals were injured. Please also tell us about the Government’s response, including future measures.

Minister Hayashi: I would like to firstly state my prayers for the people who died in Indonesia as well as my condolences to the bereaved families.

We have confirmed with relevant local authorities, and I believe we have not received any information on injuries to Japanese nationals as of now. We will continue to firmly respond to this matter.