Press Conferences
Press Conference by Foreign Press Secretary Takeshi Osuga
Wednesday, August 28, 2019, 4:35 p.m. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japanese
Opening Remarks
(1) Long-Term Exchange Program for Chinese High School Students (“Heart to Heart”)
Mr. Takeshi Osuga, Press Secretary: On September 3, 26 Chinese high school students studying Japanese are scheduled to arrive in Japan as the 14th term students of the Long-Term Exchange Program for Chinese High School Students known as “Heart to Heart.” The group is scheduled to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the afternoon of September 4 and pay a courtesy call on Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Norikazu Suzuki. In addition, for about one year until July next year, they are scheduled to study in high schools throughout Japan and have diverse experiences in Japan including club activities, dormitory life, homestays, and more.
This project has been implemented from 2006 by the Japan Foundation China Center, and a total of 416 people have participated up until now. Among them, a total of 185 people entered universities or joined companies in Japan, and others entered Japanese language studies departments in Chinese universities or are engaging in Japan-related businesses. These participants have greatly contributed to cultivating understanding and support for Japan.
Through this project, it is expected that there will be further promotion of mutual understanding among young people of both Japan and China, who will shoulder future relations between the two countries, as well as promotion of understanding of Japan in China by having the Chinese high school students send out descriptions of Japan as seen through their eyes.
(2) Project for University Students to Visit the Republic of Korea (ROK) (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths 2019 (JENESYS 2019), an Exchange Program for Promoting Understanding of Japan)
Press Secretary Osuga: As part of a university student mutual exchange initiative with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK and JENESYS 2019, an exchange program for promoting understanding of Japan, 30 Japanese university students and others will visit the ROK from August 28 to September 6. During their stay in the ROK, the group is planned to visit universities to have exchanges with young people in their generation, experience homestays, and participate in events and more in which they will experience the culture of the ROK.
Apart from this, as part of the JENESYS sports exchange project, 18 Japanese university students and others will visit the ROK from August 28 to September 2. During their stay in the ROK, the group is planned to have exchanges and discuss their views with youth in their generation through karate, visit sports-related organizations, and participate in events and more in which they will experience the culture of the ROK.
Both groups will participate in the Japan-Korea Festival 2019 in Seoul planned for September 1, and are planned to engage in disseminating the charms of Japan and more.
Through these exchange projects, it is expected that Japanese young people will deepen their understanding of the culture and society of the ROK, and at the same time, it is also expected it will contribute to encouraging understanding of Japan in the ROK as well as strengthening the foundation for Japan-ROK mutual understanding and promotion of the relationship of mutual trust.
Japan-ROK Relations (Statement by Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon)
Kyodo News, Eto: With regards to Japan-ROK relations, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon summoned Ambassador Nagamine today to lodge a protest based on the removal of the ROK from Japan’s white list of countries. What explanation did Ambassador Nagamine give?
Press Secretary Osuga: I would like to refrain from stating the details, but he explained Japan’s consistent position that has been repeatedly explained regarding this matter until now.
Kyodo News, Eto: Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon is also mentioning presenting a case to the WTO. What is the reaction of the Government of Japan and what will be the response afterwards?
Press Secretary Osuga: I am aware of the reports, and as I have repeatedly explained, the export control measures implemented this time are part of a necessary review process for the appropriate implementation of Japan’s export control from the perspective of security. Naturally, they are also measures that conform to the WTO Agreement.
With regards to our response afterwards, I am aware of the reports about Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon’s statement that you mentioned, but the reality is that there is not a situation where concrete procedures stipulated in the WTO Agreement that are necessary for conflict resolution are taken.