Press Conferences

Yamaguchi, TV Tokyo: In connection with the listing of Japan’s Meiji industrial sites as a World Heritage site, the ROK side has raised the “requisition of civilians” issue and intensified its opposition considerably. How do you view this current situation of growing opposition, and how does the Government of Japan intend to answer these objections?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: With regard to the heritages mentioned, the period covered by the sites is from the 1850s to 1910. I understand that this differs to what the ROK asserts in terms of the period covered by the so-called “requisition of civilians” from the Korean Peninsula, its historical status, and its background as well. In all cases the sites were recommended based on their remarkable and universal value as industrial heritage from the 1850s to 1910.

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) recently advised that the sites should be listed. The Government of Japan by all means hopes that this matter will be deliberated from a technical and specialized perspective. I intend to make firm efforts to obtain the understanding of the World Heritage Committee and World Heritage Committee countries.

Yamaguchi, TV Tokyo: There have been reports that direct talks will be held between Japan and the ROK in connection with this issue, and some reports are saying the talks will be held in Tokyo before the end of the month. Can you comment on the situation for coordinating that?

Minister Kishida: We are coordinating with the ROK to hold talks, but I have not received a report that details such as the date and time and location have been decided yet.

Makita, Kyodo Press: Next week you will become the 10th longest-serving Foreign Minister in history. What are your impressions of that, including the significance of remaining in the role for a long time?

Minister Kishida: I have visited 54 countries and regions and have built relationships of trust with countries since I was appointed as Foreign Minister. I am not suggesting that the longer a Foreign Minister spends in the role the better. As you would expect, I recognize that the important thing is what has been done as Foreign Minister.

Based on the relationships of trust that I have cultivated with countries up to now, I intend to continue to make efforts to ensure firm outcomes are achieved in diplomacy.

Makita, Kyodo Press: This is a related question, but I imagine that your profile inside and outside of Japan is increasing as a result of doing the job for a long time. You also serve as chairman of Kouchikai. At the present point in time, what do you intend to do regarding whether or not to stand in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election in fall?

Minister Kishida: With regard to the presidential election, I am aware that the president’s term runs until fall this year, in September, and consequently I recognize that a presidential election will be held depending on the situations. However, there are no specific developments in relation to this or directed at this in particular, and I personally am not giving it any consideration either.

Konno, Asahi Shimbun: Leading LDP members, Mr. Tanigaki and Mr. Nikai, are voicing support for Prime Minister Abe’s reelection as LDP president. What are your views on that?

Minister Kishida: I am aware of such opinions. However, I do not believe there are any specific developments of candidacy at present, so I am not giving any particular consideration.

Konno, Asahi Shimbun: Does that mean that you are not considering standing as a candidate.

Minister Kishida: I am not considering anything.

Konno, Asahi Shimbun: You are the chairman of Kouchikai and also a key Cabinet minister in the Abe Cabinet. What are your thoughts on supporting Prime Minister Abe in the presidential election in the fall?

Minister Kishida: That is a sudden question and I myself have not thought about it particularly up to now. I will give it careful thought from here on.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: There is something I would like to confirm in connection with the World Heritage issue. Earlier you mentioned talks with the ROK side, but will those talks involve a discussion with the ROK side, rather than Japan lobbying for the ROK’s understanding for the listing?

Minister Kishida: We have been working to obtain the ROK side’s understanding about this issue on a variety of occasions up to now, including at Foreign Ministers’ Meetings. Thus far also, this communication with the ROK and lobbying for the ROK side’s understanding has been taking place at various levels and via a range of situations. The issue of holding talks on this matter is currently being considered and coordinated on that basis. Nothing specific has been decided in that regard.