Press Conferences

Kikuchi, Nippon Television: Regarding the explosions in Boston, have you heard anything latest from the U.S. Government?

Minister Kishida: I acknowledge that the U.S. authorities are currently investigating the background of this incident, including the possibility of an act of terror. We pay close attention to it.

Kikuchi, Nippon Television: Concerning North Korea, despite continuous provocative words and actions, they have not launched a missile nor are there any signs of that. How are you analyzing North Korea’s activities at the current moment in time?

Minister Kishida: Regarding moves by North Korea, we continue to exert every effort to gather and analyze information, while taking every possible precautionary measure domestically against unforeseeable circumstances. We will also thoroughly collaborate with relevant countries as diplomatic efforts. We will not be pushed around by the repeated provocative words and actions of North Korea. I believe there is a need to send a strong message to North Korea in order to make them realize that even if they repeat such actions, they will not benefit from them at all. We continue these activities.

Yamagishi, Asahi Shimbun: Last night, North Korea issued an extremely severe warning to South Korea, which they called an “ultimatum.” Do you think that the use of the word “ultimatum” means that the situation has progressed to some sort of new stage?

Minister Kishida: It is truly regrettable that there are these kinds of repeated provocative words and actions. However, we will not be pushed around by such activities. The importance of constantly sending a strong message and collaborating with the international community remains the same. We will continue to make our diplomatic efforts like that and keep exerting every effort of information gathering and domestic preparations.