Press Conferences

Reporter: Regarding a visit to Hiroshima by Mr. Barack H. Obama, President of the United States, there are media reports, and such reports are indicating that an event near the Atomic Bomb Dome at the end of May has been suspended. Could you share related facts on the type of coordination being made by the Governments of Japan and the United States for a visit by President Obama to Hiroshima?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: The event you just mentioned is a private affair. The Government is not involved and I am not in a position to comment. Furthermore, there is no coordination taking place between Japan and the United States on a visit to Hiroshima by President Obama.

Reporter: Yesterday, Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima City, commented that he hopes President Obama will speak with atomic bomb victims if he visits Hiroshima and that it would be great to have this opportunity. Please explain your thoughts on this point.

Minister Kishida: I would like to refrain from making comments when nothing has been decided regarding a visit by President Obama to Hiroshima.

Reporter: Yesterday, officials in the Republic of Korea (ROK) mentioned the establishment of a comfort women foundation by around June. What is the view of the Government of Japan on this prospect?

Minister Kishida: I am aware that the ROK side is making efforts to explain the agreement between Japan and the ROK and obtain the understanding of its people. I think it is very important for both countries to sincerely implement the content of the agreement, and Japan intends to continue efforts to improve mutual understanding and cooperate with the ROK side.

Reporter: Local media have been reporting that Japan’s chances are slim for winning an order related to Australia’s next-generation submarine project. What is your view on the current situation and how does Japan intend to improve its prospects?

Minister Kishida: I am aware that Australia is currently conducting a selection process for a partner to collaborate on the project and I believe that the selection process is ongoing. Japan intends to continue doing the best that it can.

Reporter: This is related to China. China’s Central Television station, or essentially China itself, reported on a suspicion of spy activities related to the Senkaku Islands by a Chinese man. The footage showed images of Japan and money obtained by the person and appears to suggest that Japan played a role. What are the facts regarding the Government of Japan’s involvement with this?

Minister Kishida: I think the incident is a case of a Chinese national being judged in a court based on China’s domestic laws. The Government of Japan therefore is not in a position to make any comments.

Reporter: Deliberations over the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement are continuing in the National Diet, but there is some speculation that a decision might not occur during the current Diet Session. Assuming it is delayed, what are your thoughts about the message it sends to the international community and the potential impact in relation to the Japan-US agreement, approach, and background?

Minister Kishida: Regarding the TPP agreement and related bills, the Government is in the position of submitting the agreement and bills and requesting deliberations. I am not aware of any postponement or similar decision. The Government hence thinks it is important to sincerely respond to National Diet deliberations and provide careful explanations. I would like to refrain from making any predictions about what happens thereafter.