Press Conferences

Shimoe, Kyodo Press: I have a question about Japan House that was announced in March or April. The general explanation at that time, as I understood it, was that Japan House intends to emphasize communication of soft power of Japan. Could you explain the purpose again? Also, when Japan House was originally conceived, there was opposition from China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) regarding history and territory. Some Diet members from the Liberal Democratic Party asserted that the Japan House program should be presenting claims on Japan’s obvious territorial sovereignty and history related to it. I also would like to ask how these issues will be handled at Japan House.

Mr. Yasuhisa Kawamura, Foreign Press Secretary: Regarding the establishment of Japan House and the aim of its activities, Japan intends to begin Japan House activities in three locations worldwide in 2017 – Los Angeles, London, and Sao Paulo. We are currently moving forward with related procedures.

The activities aim to communicate Japan’s view and stance and Japan’s attractiveness as well as increase the number of pro-Japanese individuals and groups. They are being planned to meet these main goals.

The second part of your question asked about issues related to history and territory. The Government intends to continue moving forward with preparations for the Japan House program so that its activities meet the initial goals of effectively communicating Japan’s view and stance.

Additionally, the Japan House activities seek to meet expectations for Japan in various regions and countries. There is interest in learning certain things about Japan or deepening knowledge about certain areas. From the standpoint of increasing the number of pro-Japanese individuals and groups, we hope to promote knowledge about Japan to people who did not know much regarding Japan up to now or did not have an opportunity to encounter Japan and deepen mutual understanding.

The Government therefore intends to consider the specific content of Japan House activities while sufficiently taking into account the opinions of experts from local areas as well as pro-Japan individuals and groups and others.

Shimoe, Kyodo Press: This is related. Is the Government considering something different than using Japan House as the main venue for outward communication of Japan’s view on the Senkaku Islands, the comfort women issue, and the Nanjing massacre, among others?

Press Secretary Kawamura: Regarding the Senkaku Islands, the Japanese Government has already repeatedly explained its position. The fundamental stance of the Japanese Government is that there exists no issue of territorial sovereignty to be resolved concerning the Senkaku Islands, as the Government of Japan has repeatedly demonstrated this position at various opportunities. As part of public relations policy, the Government utilizes Summit Meetings, Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, this type of briefing opportunity, and other venues to provide this explanation. It intends to continue taking necessary responses as a truly fundamental position.

On the comfort women issue, the Governments of Japan and the ROK reached an agreement last year and it is important that Japan and the ROK responsibly implement the agreement. Japan explains its position and view at all opportunities and seeks to obtain understanding based on the agreement.

The Japan House program does not seek total separation from the above-mentioned general public relations policy conducted by the Japanese Government, and I think it will respond appropriately from the perspective of communicating an accurate image of Japan and Japan’s appeal and fostering interaction with pro-Japan individuals and groups.

To add one more point, I believe there are various formats for communicating or explaining issues, problems, or challenges, and the Government intends to take appropriate measures so that communication takes place in the most appropriate manner. It also aims to implement responses that sufficiently reflect the opinions of people in the various locations receiving the information as noted above.

Tadokoro, Mainichi Shimbun: This is a somewhat vague question. There was a talk of holding a Japan Expo in Paris when Prime Minister, Abe was in France during his visit to European countries, and it seems that a Japan Expo preparations office was established recently within the public relations bureau. What type of plan and specific preparations are being considered for a Japan Expo? Please explain a rough outline if possible.

Press Secretary Kawamura: As announced the other day, the Government established a preparations office and began preparations recently for the Japonism 2018 project. It will provide information that can be announced regarding project details and timing as it becomes available through discussions among related parties.

Tadokoro, Mainichi Shimbun: Will the preparations office be calling on Japanese companies to participate?

Press Secretary Kawamura: The Government has decided to hold Japonism 2018, a major event to communicate Japanese culture, in 2018. It will be making efforts to determine details, formats, and ways of obtaining cooperation from the private sector and intends to give updates as matters are decided.

Shimoe, Kyodo Press: I have a question regarding relations between Japan and the ROK. This also came up briefly in the Chief Cabinet Secretary’s press conference. ROK military forces conducted periodic exercises on Takeshima starting today, and the Japanese Government lodged a protest. The same thing happened last year and the Government of Japan lodged a protest against periodic exercises. The comfort women issue came up earlier. While the two countries reached an agreement on the comfort women issue, nothing has been agreed in regards to the Takeshima issue. Nevertheless, the ROK is engaging in this type of provocative behavior every year. What kind of measures would the Government of Japan take to prevent it?

Press Secretary Kawamura: There is a media report of military exercises. If reports are correct, this is unacceptable in light of Japan’s stance regarding territorial sovereignty over Takeshima and is very regretful. While Japan strongly protested to the ROK side in Tokyo and in the ROK this morning and afternoon, the Takeshima issue has been around for a while and is unlikely to be resolved overnight. Japan must firmly communicate to the ROK side that it is unacceptable and respond to it from a broad perspective in a tenacious and calm manner Japan believes it is important to resolve the Takeshima issue in a calm and peaceful manner based on international law and intends to respond appropriately in line with this approach. This is the fundamental stance. Japan will continue its tenacious responses based on this view.