Press Conferences

Yomiuri Shimbun, Goto: Recently in the Diet, Foreign Minister Motegi stated that he would like to consider publishing a Korean language version of the explanation regarding the Rising Sun Flag on the MOFA website. What is the current status of considerations?

Mr. Ohtaka Masato, Press Secretary: As you pointed out, Foreign Minister Motegi answered questions in the Diet on October 16 regarding various aspects of the approach to external communication regarding the Rising Sun Flag, including creation of a Korean language edition of the material you mentioned and improving access to that material. Please consider that these are currently under active consideration.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Goto: Are foreign language explanations other than in Korean being considered?

Press Secretary Ohtaka: Consideration will be conducted on various aspects including whether there are needs and whether we have the necessary resources while monitoring the situation, but we are firstly considering the Korean language.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: Many foreign dignitaries attended the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden (State Hall) yesterday. Among them were Hsieh Chang-ting, head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan; the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China; and the Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. However, I heard that the Government of Japan did not send formal written invitations to the leaders of these three regions. Naturally, I believe Japan should welcome many people to come for the celebration even if they do not have a formal written invitation, but what were the different arrangements for welcoming people who received official written invitations and those who did not? Can you please tell us the details regarding the attendance by representatives from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao?

Press Secretary Ohtaka: The attendance at the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden (State Hall) was considered based on the precedent of the Ceremony of the Enthronement for the Heisei period and other government-organized ceremony examples. Thus, after such consideration, the people you mentioned were in attendance. As a general rule, as has been explained in great detail, we have provided notification of invitations to countries recognized by Japan, the European Union, and the United Nations, and for the others, we make separate considerations taking into account their wishes, so I believe the three people you mentioned would be in that category.

Mainichi Shimbun, Suzuki: The sightseeing tour of the Northern Territories has been postponed. I believe schedule coordination is being conducted, and there are some reports that it will take place from October 30 to November 4. What is the current status of coordination and when will an announcement be possible?

Press Secretary Ohtaka: I am aware of those reports, but would like to ask for a little more time. Earnest coordination is currently being conducted between the people concerned to be able to carry out the tour as soon as possible.