Press Conferences

Minister Kishida: On this occasion, I have been reappointed as the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I am looking forward to continuing to serve you all in this post. I have already stated my opening remarks at the press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office, so I will try to avoid repeating the details. First of all, just as what has been done in the past, I hope to make all possible efforts to carry out diplomatic tasks with putting the importance on the three principles and show the presence of Japanese diplomacy by engaging with global issues. In the future, I plan to focus particularly on the following three points. The first is to promote relations with neighboring countries. The second is that, with next year, which is the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 70th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) and the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we are approaching such a milestone year of great importance for a number of global issues such as nuclear disarmament, environment and disaster prevention as well as the areas of development and the reform of the United Nations Security Council, so Japan will strive to consider how we can best contribute to these global issues. The third point is that I plan to undertake external communications in a strategic manner. I intend to put particular efforts into the abovementioned three points in addition to my existing policies. I look forward to putting my efforts into the above three areas while continuing to make robust progress with a diplomacy that takes a panoramic perspective of the world map. That concludes my opening remarks.

Kurihara, NHK: I’d like to ask about the situation in Ukraine. We have been informed that this time, the Government of Ukraine has agreed to a cease-fire with Russia. May I ask what your views are on this, and how the Japanese Government intends to respond to this, given the current situation in which moves are afoot among members of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other countries, to restrain Russia, including moves among these countries to confirm their collective security system against Russia?

Minister Kishida: First of all, I am aware of the announcement by the Presidential Administration of Ukraine which you referred to. I would like to commend the certain moves towards cease-fire that we have seen. However, I think it is essential that we continue to pay careful attention to how this situation will develop forward. I certainly hope to see all relevant parties working hard, towards the future, to achieve cease-fire early; in particular, I would like to strongly urge Russia to take constructive steps to bring about a peaceful resolution of the situation.

You also mentioned the actions by NATO. A NATO Summit is planned on September 4 and 5. I intend to pay close attention to the outcomes of this Summit, while watching with great interest how the various developments in this situation unfold. Japan must consider carefully how we will respond, putting importance on our partnership with the G7.

Saito, Kyodo Press: In your comments just now, you cited improving relations with neighboring countries as a future challenge. In the press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office earlier, you mentioned about strengthening dialogue at the political level. However, my understanding is that the parties concerned, which are China and the Republic of Korea (ROK), they have criticized the stance of the Abe Administration and Japan on the issue of the recognition of history and regard it as an obstacle. Could I ask you to explain your basic stance and standpoint in terms of how you will deal with this issue of the recognition of history, seek communications with China and the ROK, and move the second Abe Cabinet’s diplomatic relations forward from now on?

Minister Kishida: To begin with, regarding the Government of Japan’s recognition of history, the Government firmly upholds the recognition of history by previous Cabinets. That has not changed, and this is something I have repeatedly stated. Additionally, I recognize that Japan's post-war path as a peace-loving nation is highly appreciated by the international community.

I believe I will have to continue to strive to explain these points thoroughly. However, where issues such as the recognition of history are concerned, as each country has its public opinion, I think that patient and careful discussion will be necessary. Certainly, the fact that these difficult issues exist is the very reason why this dialogue at a political level is important. I strongly hope that we gain a solid understanding of the Government of Japan’s views among the countries concerned, including China and the ROK, and want them to respond solidly to our positive attitude toward the dialogues.

Hirayama, Independent Web Japan: I’d like to ask about the issue of the landfill off the coast of Henoko. You have just mentioned at the Prime Minister’s Office that the indefinite use of the Futenma Air Station of the U.S. Forces was not permissible. On the other hand, some of the citizens who are opposed to the development of the landfill site in this area express the opinions that the Japan Coast Guard has gone too far in their policing during the drilling survey of the Henoko coast. I believe that this issue of the construction of the new station has been rushed forward in view of the approaching revision of the Japan-US Guidelines at the end of this year. I would like to hear your views on what kind of explanation will be given to the residents of Okinawa who are expressing these views.

Minister Kishida: As I said just now at the Prime Minister’s Office, I believe that both local residents and the Abe Cabinet share the view that we cannot go on using the Futenma Air Station indefinitely. We have therefore carried out a range of discussions to determine how, in specific terms, to move this issue forward. With Governor of Okinawa Hirokazu Nakaima having given his approval to the construction work, the necessary arrangements are now proceeding. However, needless to say we urge that the variety of beliefs, views and opinions that local Okinawan residents hold on this issue are taken fully into account as these arrangements go ahead, and that the work is explained and carried out thoroughly. I believe that in order to ease the burden on Okinawa, it is important to take the attitude of proceeding with works or arrangements one by one, while steadily gaining understanding of relevant parties.

Hashimoto, Hokkaido Shimbun: I would like to ask about the Northern Territories issue. I believe that the Northern Territories issue is, like the abductions issue, one of the top priority issues for the Abe Cabinet. I would like to hear your thoughts, on the kind of principles you will bear in mind as you take up the negotiations for a resolution and the signing of a peace treaty, given that the former islanders themselves are aging.

Minister Kishida: First of all, with regard to the Northern Territories issue, the stance of the Government, that is, clarifying the issue of the attribution of the Northern Islands, making progress for the signing of a peace treaty and resolving this issue, those principles remain unchanged. We intend to hold steadfast to these principles as we make progress with this issue.

Additionally, relations between Japan and Russia at present are in a difficult phase, particularly with regard to the issue of Ukraine and other matters; however, I believe that we must place importance on political dialogue between Japan and Russia, to encourage Russia to take constructive steps with regard to the Ukraine issue. I think it is important that we bear in mind the importance of such political dialogue as we continue to push forward discussions and make efforts regarding various issues that exist between Japan and Russia.

Yamaguchi, Nikkei Shimbun: I would like to return again to the issue of the recognition of history with China. I am well aware of the importance of dialogue, but today, at the occasion of the Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, President of China, Xi Jinping, delivered an important address that once again criticizing and cautioning the Abe Administration’s diplomatic stance by saying that the denial of history is unforgivable. I would firstly like to ask for your perception of that. Also, you will remain in your post as Minister for Foreign Affairs and I understand there are a series of important international meetings coming up, including the United Nations General Assembly. Could you once again explain the position and status of coordination in the lead up to further rounds of foreign ministers’ meetings, please?

Minister Kishida: To begin with, where the event for the Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression that you mentioned is concerned, the holding of this event and the content and others of it are essentially a Chinese domestic issue, so as the Government of Japan, I would like to refrain from commenting on it.

In any case, however, the Government of Japan’s standpoint, its stance concerning historical issues, including World War II, has not changed at all. Additionally, I believe Japan’s post-war path as a peaceful nation is something that is highly appreciated by the international community. I believe I must continue to strive to ensure these points are fully understood. And where dialogue is concerned, as you know, the other day Prime Minister Abe also indicated his willingness to hold a Japan-China summit meeting at the November APEC. I certainly think that dialogues will have to be held cumulatively and at various levels toward holding dialogue at a high political level such as that. From my standpoint also, I intend to continue to strive to hold further dialogues at various levels and in various fields that will lead on to dialogue at a high political level.

Tokuhashi, NHK: My question is related to the previous one. Mr. Sadakazu Tanigaki and Mr. Toshihiro Nikai were appointed as Secretary-General and General Council Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party, respectively. The two men have strong connections with neighboring countries including China and therefore it is speculated that diplomacy by lawmakers will become active. How do you think the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate with such a movement by the party?

Minister Kishida: There have been exchanges and dialogues between Japan and China in various fields at various levels. Such exchanges and dialogues are very valuable and will remain important because I think accumulation of such efforts will be a basis for the politically higher level of dialogues. Then, I think that parliamentary diplomacy is one of such accumulated and important efforts. I believe that it will be important to accumulate such efforts at various levels in various fields in the future as well. While carefully paying attention to the results of such continuous efforts, the Government too will strive for realization of dialogues in order to fulfill its responsibilities.

Suzuki, Mainichi Shimbun: From this Cabinet reshuffle, every minister can have a special advisor. Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not intend to have such an advisor, what do you think about the meaning of having such an advisor? If you have decided not to have one, please tell us why you have decided so.

Minister Kishida: I know the system of special advisor to minister. I remember I was given an explanation on that around May. I think it is meaningful as a system, and what is important is how we utilize it. However, I would like to carefully consider how the system should be utilized as well as how the system can be utilized within the existing organization and in relation to the various command chains. Nothing specific has been decided yet, but I will think about it while carefully watching responses by other ministers.

Nakagawa, Yomiuri Shimbun: Congratulations on your reappointment as the Foreign Minister. You have served as the minister for one year and eight months now. Mr. Masayoshi Ohira served as the Minister for Foreign Affairs for four years, which is the longest tenure as full-time Minister for Foreign Affairs in the post war era. I think the tradition of light-arming and the emphasis on economy have been the characteristics of the Kochi Kai faction. As the incumbent leader of the faction, what characteristics do you intend to demonstrate as the minister for at least another one year or so?

Minister Kishida: I am proud of the history of Kochi Kai and the achievements by our predecessors both as a member and the incumbent leader of Kochi Kai. I want to continue to cherish such a history in the future as well. While the history of Kochi Kai is evaluated in various ways, I think its liberal atmosphere that allows its members to freely speak is the most important and worthy to be proud of. Times and international society are changing dynamically, so do the required diplomacy or the required security policy according to the times. I think the continuation of careful efforts by solving policy challenges one by one while respecting free discussion or liberal atmosphere when advancing such policies will be important when we cherish the tradition of Kochi Kai. I would like to continue to tackle policy issues with such belief in mind.