Press Conferences

Reporter: Many omissions and mistranslations have been found in the translated TPP Agreement and explanatory documents. Opposition parties are calling for the expunging of deliberations conducted thus far and a reset. Please explain your view of these discoveries at the outset and the government’s outlook for deliberations in the National Diet.

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I am aware that overlaps and omissions have been discovered in some of the translated TPP Agreement. The government is currently coordinating with the National Diet on necessary correction, including preparation of a list of errata. MOFA thoroughly investigated this matter and determined that all these overlaps and omissions in some of the Japanese translations occurred in the process of editing and printing the documents for submission to the National Diet. Additionally, explanatory materials provided as reference for the translated documents contained inaccurate expressions.

It is very disappointing that these problems occurred, and I think the fullest efforts must be made to prevent reoccurrence. I also believe it is important to carefully explain the situation to the National Diet.

Reporter: Some critics are taking a hardline view that deliberations should be expunged. They call for expunging deliberations conducted thus far and restarting. What is your view of this request?

Minister Kishida: The matter involved overlaps and omissions of some of the translated documents as I just explained. I am requesting to take measures for correction, including preparation of a list of errata. I also believe it is important to carefully explain the situation to the National Diet.

Reporter: Regarding North Korea, some media reports indicate that the United States and Chinese authorities have started moving on sanctions against companies related to and supportive of North Korea. With North Korea holding an air show and appearing unconcerned about sanctions, can you explain the schedule and progress in determining the content of Japan’s response, including its own measures?

Minister Kishida: I am aware that the U.S. government announced independent sanctions on September 26. This announcement presents the resolute stance of the international community against North Korea, and Japan strongly supports these measures. While Japan must continue to work closely with related countries, regarding your question about Japan’s own measures, discussions at the United Nations on adopting a resolution, including further sanctions, are currently proceeding. I think Japan needs to make the most effective response possible taking into account such situations and responses by other related countries.

Japan intends to act appropriately after seeing moves by the United States, the United Nations, and others.

Reporter: Both candidates in the U.S. presidential election are against the TPP. What are Japan’s thoughts about the direction as it heads toward the entry into force of the TPP?

Minister Kishida: Japan must work to obtain its own approval of the TPP in the current National Diet session. The government aims to obtain the approval at this session. Japan needs to generate momentum toward the TPP’s adoption in the international community through this initiative. My understanding is that other countries besides the United States are also moving forward with efforts for adoption of the TPP. I think it is important to foster international momentum, including through these efforts.