Press Conferences

Arita, Nippon TV: Yesterday the Public Security Bureau of the Metropolitan Police Department voluntarily questioned a male university student suspected of attempting to participate in ISIL’s combat operations. How do you view the fact that such moves to try and participate in ISIL’s activities are now surfacing even in Japan?


Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida: The other day at the United Nations, Resolution 2178 was adopted by the UN Security Council. This resolution requires countries to have laws that permit the prosecution of people who travel for terrorism, provide funds or facilitate and so on. The Government of Japan intends to engage resolutely in measures to counter extremists, including ISIL. Regarding the case that you mentioned, because the matter is currently under investigation, as Minister I would like to refrain from commenting in any way.

Arita, Nippon TV: I would like to ask about the situation in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Government agreed to reopen dialogue with the student side by October 12, but on the other hand, authorities on the government side have not discarded the possibility of forceful removal. What is the Government of Japan’s view of this situation?


Minister Kishida: Hong Kong prospers as a major Asian financial center. In addition, it has very deep ties with Japan in terms of economic relations. The Government of Japan recognizes that this democratic prosperity of Hong Kong has a major influence on the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan. We hope that Hong Kong will develop peacefully and democratically based on “one country, two systems,” and that Hong Kong’s relationship with Japan will be maintained. This is the position of the Government of Japan, but we certainly intend to continue to observe the Hong Kong situation closely. We are hoping it will be resolved peacefully.

Arita, Nippon TV: I would like to ask about Japan-North Korea relations. The issue of dispatching a delegation to Pyongyang is presently being considered, but could you please explain the current state of those considerations, including when the outcome will be announced, what the timing will be for dispatching the delegation and what personnel will form the delegation?


Minister Kishida: Following the explanation of the talks between diplomatic authorities of Japan and North Korea that took place the other day on September 29, the Government of Japan believes it must continue to make a serious effort to grasp the current state of the investigation. And following the explanation from the North Korean side, the Government of Japan is now in the process of considering how to respond, while listening carefully to the various views of the parties concerned, including the victims of abduction. At present nothing has been decided regarding how to respond, or when. However, the Government of Japan intends to continue to steadfastly ask the North Korean side to carry out the investigation swiftly, and to report those findings promptly.

Arita, Nippon TV: I would like to ask about the meeting between high level officials from the Republic of Korea and North Korea that took place on the weekend. The North Korean side made a political approach at a very high level by sending Hwang Pyong So, Vice chairman of North Korea’s National Defense Commission on the last day of the Asian Games, but I would like to ask for your views regarding what sort of impact these types of meetings will have on the Northeast Asia situation and Japan-North Korea relations in the future.


Minister Kishida: Recently high-level North Korean officials visited the ROK accompanying the closing ceremony for the Asian Games in Incheon and a meeting was held, and as a result of that an agreement was reached to hold a North-South High Level Officials’ Meeting. The Government of Japan recognizes that such moves will lead to find solutions of certain issues including North Korea’s denuclearization. We intend to continue to watch future developments closely.

Fujimura, Chugoku Shimbun: In forecasts overseas, Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution is viewed as a potential Nobel Peace Prize winner. What are your views on this?


Minister Kishida: I am aware various reports are taking place, but other than that I have no other information, so I intend to watch future developments closely.


Fujimura, Chugoku Shimbun: Would you be happy if it won?


Minister Kishida: Various relevant parties are being discussed and so I want to keep a close eye on them.

Arita, Nippon TV: My question concerns ISIL. This time a Japanese citizen was halted at the last minute while attempting to depart from Japan, but I would like to ask what the situation is in terms of information about Japanese citizens currently active in ISIL, or determining whether such a situation exists.


Minister Kishida: At the very least, as Minister I am not aware of any information regarding Japanese nationals active in ISIL.