Press Conferences

Foreign Minister Fumino Kishida: I am announcing that the Joint Statement on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons is expected to be issued at the First Committee of the UN General Assembly being held in New York, and that Japan is planning to join the Joint Statement.

Japan, as the only country that has ever experienced atomic bombings in wartime, understands more than any other country in the world the cruel nature of nuclear weapons. Regarding the Joint Statement, I myself approached the Foreign Minister of New Zealand among others, which resulted in appropriate adjustments to the previous statement. After a thorough examination of the whole idea of the statement, I came to judge that the substance is what Japan can support.

It is Japan’s moral obligation to make persistent efforts toward a world without nuclear weapons. Japan will continue to demonstrate its strong leadership in the area of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation so as to communicate to the world the feelings of the people coming from the areas that suffered atomic bombing toward the upcoming Ministerial meeting of the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative held in Hiroshima in April, 2014.

Minister Kishida: Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will be visiting Japan from October 14 to 16 and a Japan-Australia Foreign Ministerial meeting is planned on October 15. The meeting follows a meeting during the UN General Assembly in September and the recent Japan-U.S.-Australia Trilateral Strategic Dialogue in Bali. I hope to take this opportunity to further strengthen the already close Japan-Australia relationship in the areas of security, economy and the exchange of people.

Watanabe, NHK: Referring back to your first point at the outset, is it correct to understand that Japan will sign the Joint Statement?

Minister Kashia: We have decided to sign it. The Joint Statement is yet to be issued, which I am aware will most likely take place sometime next week or later. Therefore, our decision is to sign prior to the release.

Watanabe, NHK: Japan had deferred the signing because it has been relying on U.S. nuclear deterrence, and some words and phrases were unacceptable for Japan. Has that been solved?

Minister Kishida: As for the Joint Statement, Japan has shared from the beginning the basic recognition of the inhumanity of nuclear weapons, including not only the immediate damage caused by nuclear weapons, but also economic and social impacts as well as influence on future generations. We have continued discussions with relevant countries in relation to Japan’s harsh security environment. The resulting proper adjustments to the Joint Statement led Japan to support the statement after a close examination of the whole idea.

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: I have a specific question on the same point. Previously, the Joint Statement was against the use under any circumstances, which you said was revised. Were such wordings deleted?

Minister Kishida: Since this involves relevant countries, it will be inappropriate to make concrete remarks on the substance of an unissued joint statement before its release. As for the content, I hope to make a thorough explanation following its official release.

Watanabe, NHK: What is Japan’s intention of making decision and announcing it before the release of the statement?

Minister Kishida: As I have mentioned, Japan has continued various discussions and consultations with relevant countries. This resulted in our decision to support the Joint Statement, so thus was announced today.

Mizuuchi, Sankei Shimbun: Does that mean that you judged that the signing would not affect Japan’s capability to maintain the Japan-US alliance and prepare for threats from North Korea or China?

Foreign Minister Kishida: Yes, it does. The decision was made as I judged that the signing would be in line with Japan’s position.

Kamide, Freelance: On October 7, the Kyoto District Court rendered a clear decision against hate speech, that it is discriminatory. Though it may be difficult for you to comment on the decision itself, taking the fact that similar cases are observed around Japan, will you share your opinion on this issue?

Minister Kishida: Although a decision was rendered, since we do not know how further decision will be rendered, I will refrain from commenting on this issue. However, in general terms, as Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has stated, the Government of Japan have clarified that such hate speeches are extremely regrettable. Our policy remains unchanged that we deal with those kinds of issues thoroughly on the basis of the law as a country ruled by law.

Watanabe, NHK: You had a meeting with relevant ministers concerning the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) this morning. What were your comments there regarding the current status?

Minister Kishida: TPP-related Ministers briefed on the current status. I have learned that Minister Akira Amari will disclose the details of the briefing on behalf of the Ministers. Therefore, I will refrain from going into details.

Watanabe, NHK: I gathered that some ministers expressed their concerns on the status of negotiations.

Minister Kishida: I will refrain from speaking about the details.

Watanabe, Kyodo News: The Annual Autumn Festival of the Yasukuni Shrine is to commence on the 17th, next week. Have you decided whether you will attend the festival or not?

Minister Kishida: As I have mentioned thus far, I will act appropriately as Foreign Minister of the Abe cabinet.