Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have an announcement.

I just attended a seminar on “Population and Development from a Well-being Perspective” hosted by the Asian Population and Development Association.

In the face of challenges, including a declining birthrate and an aging and decreasing population, “well-being,” which means a “physically, mentally, and socially positive state,” is a crucial point in attracting talent and generating high added value. From this standpoint, I presented on Japan’s well-being initiatives at the seminar.

The concept of “well-being” is also important in efforts to ensure the sustainability of the whole international community, including the SDGs. As global issues become increasingly serious, Japan will work to accelerate efforts toward achieving the SDGs and lead discussions in the international community, including those on well-being, keeping in mind the period beyond 2030, which is the deadline for achieving the SDGs.

The Advisory Panel on Sustainability of the International Community was launched recently under my purview. We just started discussing how Japan will lead the international community toward ensuring Japan’s own sustainable growth and the sustainability of the entire international community, looking toward 2030 and beyond. I presented this point as well at the seminar.

That is all from me.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I would like to ask about the situation in the Middle East. Yesterday, the G7 issued a joint statement supporting the ceasefire proposal outlined by U.S. President Biden. Please explain the process that led to the decision to issue a joint statement.

In addition, Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel stated that this ceasefire proposal is incomplete for Israel, according to local reports. Could you also tell us about what Japan will urge Israel to do for the implementation of this ceasefire proposal?

Furthermore, the G7 Summit will be held next week. What kind of joint statements or outcomes do you expect on the situation in the Middle East?

Minister Kamikawa: First, there was a question about the process that led to the decision to issue the statement.

On May 31 local time, U.S. President Biden stated in his speech that Israel has offered a comprehensive new proposal regarding negotiation between Israel and Hamas on the hostage release and ceasefire.

At the proposal of Italy, which is this year’s G7 Presidency, the G7 decided to support this new proposal and issue a leaders’ statement that mentions calling on Hamas to accept the proposal.

Regarding the question on what Japan will urge Israel to do for its implementation, we believe that there is little time left, considering the dire humanitarian situation surrounding the hostages and the Palestinian people in Gaza. As I issued a statement on June 2, Japan strongly urges all parties concerned to seize this opportunity and work toward the release of hostages and a sustainable ceasefire.

In close coordination with the countries mediating the negotiations, including the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, Japan will continue to persistently and proactively make diplomatic efforts, including urging the countries concerned, to ensure the release of hostages and a ceasefire.

The leaders plan to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including Gaza, at the G7 Apulia Summit which will be held in Italy next week as well. It will be an opportunity for the leaders to confirm that the G7 will continue to work together to address the situation.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask about the peace summit in Ukraine that is to be held in Switzerland. At the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue just held in Singapore, President Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that China is urging other countries not to attend this peace summit. I would like to ask you if China made such a request to Japan. Please also share with us your thoughts on President Zelenskyy’s remark.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware that during the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore on June 2, President Zelenskyy stated that China is urging other countries not to attend the peace summit.

Regarding this matter, we also understand China made a public announcement on the same day that it would not be attending this summit and that it had already communicated its concerns about the direction of the summit to relevant parties.

Japan and China have always had various communications on the response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including the matter in question.

This summit is an important meeting for the international community to present its stance of supporting the efforts of Ukraine toward achieving a just and lasting peace, and it is regrettable that China will not be attending.

Japan will continue to coordinate with other countries, including those in the Global South, and steadfastly make efforts while strongly urging China to take responsible actions.

NHK, Igarashi: I have a question about India. Voting for the general election in India took place for a month and a half, and the counting of votes began on June 4. Attention is on what the voters have decided, that is, whether the ruling party led by Prime Minister Modi, who emphasizes that he achieved strong economic growth, will secure an unprecedented third term and maintain long-term rule. Could you share with us your view on the election and your diplomatic approach to Japan-India relations?

Minister Kamikawa: Regarding India’s Lok Sabha general election for which voting was conducted in seven phases beginning on April 19, we are aware that the final voting was held on June 1.

We are also aware that vote counting began across India today, June 4. However, the Government of Japan will refrain from making comments on matters concerning the internal affairs of another country.

In any case, India is an important partner for the realization of the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP). We will continue to work to strengthen the Japan-India relationship.

Mainichi Shimbun, Moriguchi: I have a question regarding a world heritage site inscription. ICOMOS is expected to soon release its evaluation results for the “Sado complex of heritage mines” in Niigata Prefecture, which Japan aims to have inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some people in the Republic of Korea (ROK) are opposed to the inscription, saying that there was forced labor. I would like to ask once again how the Government intends to seek the ROK’s understanding for the inscription. Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has indicated that prior dialogue among the parties is needed as the inscription of the “Sado complex of heritage mines” on the World Heritage List is decided basically by consensus of the World Heritage Committee. Please tell us about the progress of the dialogue with the ROK?

Minister Kamikawa: Japan has engaged in discussions with the ROK to realize the inscription of the “Sado complex of heritage mines” so that its outstanding value as a cultural heritage site will be recognized.

I will refrain from disclosing the details of our dialogue with the ROK as it is diplomatic communication. Japan will continue to engage in thoughtful discussions with the ROK in a sincere and consistent manner.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: I would like to ask about the incident in which graffiti was spray-painted in red on a stone pillar of Yasukuni Jinja. Concerning a man of Chinese nationality, who was being investigated on suspicion of conducting this act by the Metropolitan Police Department, it seems that he has already left Japan for China. Graffiti at Yasukuni Jinja, a religious facility, can be considered a sacrilegious act toward religion. This incident involved a delinquent foreigner, specifically a delinquent Chinese national. What do you think about his behavior? Does MOFA plan to respond at all to this matter? I would like you to answer these two questions.

Minister Kamikawa: The incident you referred to constitutes an act that appears to violate the relevant laws and regulations of Japan. The creation and dissemination of videos that endorse or encourage such acts are unacceptable.

From this standpoint, we expressed our concerns about this incident to the Government of China through diplomatic channels, and asked the Government of China to alert Chinese people to comply with local laws and regulations and to behave calmly.

Freelance, Takahashi: I would like to ask about the “pandemic treaty.” With many member states expressing opposition, agreement was not reached on the “pandemic treaty” at the World Health Assembly that was held until June 1. Even in Japan, there was a protest rally on May 31 in Hibiya Park in which over 10,000 people participated, indicating that there is a lot of opposition. What are your thoughts on this opposition rally? Please also share with us how the Government of Japan will be addressing this draft agreement.

Minister Kamikawa: We understand that there are various opinions about the “pandemic treaty.” At the same time, our understanding is that the draft published on the World Health Organization (WHO) website does not contain anything that raises concerns about mandatory vaccination or about limits on national sovereignty. In addition, such discussions have not taken place at the negotiations to date.

Global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic require a united response from the international community. I believe it is important to create international norms, which will contribute to strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The Government of Japan will continue to constructively participate in and contribute to such initiatives.

We will continue to endeavor to provide detailed and accurate information to everyone as much as possible.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: My question partially overlaps with Mr. Takahashi’s earlier question, it is about the “pandemic treaty” and amendments to the IHR. At the World Health Assembly on June 1, the adoption of the “pandemic treaty” was postponed, but agreement was reached on amendments to the IHR. As was just mentioned, a Large Rally of the National Movement to Protect Lives from the WHO was held on May 31 at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in Hibiya Park. It brought together over 10,000 people, so you can say that it demonstrated significant public opposition to WHO policies. I believe member states can submit rejection or reservations about the IHR amendments within ten months from the date of notification by the WHO Director-General. The will of 10,000 people was expressed at the rally. On this basis, do you intend to rediscuss the IHR amendments and seek the confidence of the people?

Minister Kamikawa: First of all, Japan welcomes that the IHR amendments were adopted by consensus. We assess that the amended IHR will further contribute to preventing, preparing for, and responding appropriately to health crises.

We understand that there are various opinions on the amendments to the IHR. We will consider soliciting public comments on domestic policies based on the IHR amendments, with the competent Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) taking the lead.

The Government has been sharing relevant information with the public in a timely manner, including publishing information on the websites of MOFA and MHLW. We will continue to endeavor to provide detailed and accurate information as much as possible, and if questions are asked at the Diet, we will answer them carefully.