Press Conferences

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Today, it has been five years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. I would like to take this opportunity to pray for the souls of the victims to rest in peace and express my sincere condolences to the bereaved families and those still in difficult situations.

Taking this opportunity, I express once again my heartfelt gratitude for the warm assistance from many countries and regions, including the TOMODACHI Initiative led by the United States.

I will continue to make my utmost efforts for reconstruction as the Foreign Minister. In particular, regarding reputational damage, while Singapore, Brunei, India, the EU, and others have recently eased import regulations, I will continue to urge other countries to ease or abolish import restrictions. In addition, we are working hard to wipe out unfounded rumors by providing information on Japan’s reconstruction status from our embassies and consulate generals abroad.

Toba, Nippon TV: I have a question about yesterday’s short-range missile launch by North Korea. While this mainly appears to be a reaction to joint military exercises by the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK), how does Japan plan to respond in light of the fact that exercises will continue?

Minister Kishida: First, Japan lodged a strong protest. The Government also intends to continue to urge North Korea to exercise restraint and refrain from such actions. Japan maintains full preparedness for surveillance and monitoring with a sense of vigilance.

I think Japan needs to focus on rapid implementation of its own measures as well as various measures from the sanctions resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council. The Government intends to work together with other countries in this area.

Toba, Nippon TV: It is less than one month until the G7 Hiroshima Foreign Ministers’ Meeting since yesterday. How does Japan aim to lead the discussions in the meeting of Foreign Ministers as the chair country?

Minister Kishida: While it is just one month until the G7 meeting, I have already conducted telephone talks with all of the G7 Foreign Ministers since the beginning of the year and also visited Canada. Yesterday I exchanged views with Ambassadors from the G7 countries. Furthermore, Japan is hosting the Youth Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons OB/OG Hiroshima Forum on March 27. I will continue putting my fullest efforts into preparations. We intend to be fully ready so that the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting sends a firm message from Hiroshima worthy of the G7.

Abe, Asahi Shimbun: Mr. Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, recently criticized Japan for constantly causing trouble. This comment suggests mistrust of Japan. What is your view on the comment?

Minister Kishida: I think it is important for both sides to make efforts to promote our bilateral relationship. I also believe it is vital to continue dialogue.

Kurihara, NHK: Mr. Kim Jong Un, First Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, stated on a state-run news agency broadcast this morning that North Korea plans to continue to develop nuclear weapons. What are your thoughts on this?

Minister Kishida: Japan and the rest of the world cannot accept North Korea’s moves to develop nuclear weapons. The Government must continue to send a strong message to North Korea in cooperation with the international community.