Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have four announcements.

First, from June 24 to 26, I attended the 2024 Global Women Leaders Summit, held at a venue near Milan, Italy.

The Summit was hosted by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Georgetown University Institute for Women, Peace and Security (WPS), and chaired by the Honorable Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State of the United States of America and Ms. Melanne Verveer, the Executive Director of the Georgetown University Institute for WPS. This summit was attended by invited current and former heads of state, ministers, researchers, and other women leaders.

The attendees discussed women’s participation and leadership in conflict situations, including WPS, considering the current international situation and global challenges.

I led the discussion at a session on advancing women’s political leadership. I stated the importance of support that incorporates women’s needs and perspectives under the current international situation, which is becoming increasingly uncertain, based on my experience of visiting Ukraine, Palestine, and Africa, and of seeing and hearing firsthand the difficulties faced by women there, ever since I was appointed Foreign Minister.

At the Summit, the attendees discussed various agendas, including climate change measures and the SDGs, as well as women’s political leadership and women leaders in the crises. I introduced Japan’s initiatives incorporating WPS perspectives.

As a country that is vigorously promoting WPS as one of its key foreign policies, Japan intends to leverage the discussions at the Summit for our future foreign policy and further contribute to the peace and stability of the international community.

Minister Kamikawa: Next, the second topic.

If circumstances permit, from July 5 to 9, I will visit Cambodia and the Philippines for the first time since I was appointed as Foreign Minister.

During this visit, building on last year’s 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, we will confirm our intention to advance concrete cooperation to deepen our ties as true friends with “heart-to-heart” connections and to address the contemporary challenges we face in common.

In Cambodia, I will hold meetings with government dignitaries, including Minister for Foreign Affairs Sok Chenda Sophea. I intend to strengthen our relationship with the Hun Manet administration and set out a new approach for bilateral cooperation based on our longstanding collaboration and the current situation of development in Cambodia.

In addition, Japan has long worked with the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, which has become one of the leading mine action organizations in the world. Today, we support mine actions not only in Cambodia but also in other countries, including Ukraine.

Building on our cooperation over the years, Japan will indicate a direction for future mine action support on the occasion of my visit to Cambodia.

In the Philippines, I will hold the first Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting, the “2+2,” during the Marcos administration. We will share views on the strategic environment and confirm our intention to further enhance security and defense cooperation with a view of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

On this occasion, we will also further deepen our bilateral relations in wide-ranging areas through meetings with government dignitaries, including Secretary for Foreign Affairs Manalo, and other opportunities.

Minister Kamikawa: The third is about the incident including non-consensual sexual acts involving the U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ). My heart aches when I think of the victim. It is extremely regrettable that this incident has taken place.

We take seriously the fact that the Government’s response has aroused concern, harsh criticism, and distrust from the people.

The investigative authorities determine whether, to what extent, and by what way to make an incident public on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the necessity of the public interest, the impact on the reputation and privacy of the persons concerned, and whether and to what extent the disclosure will affect investigations and trials. We understand that this approach was applied to the decisions made in the recent cases.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has responded to the recent incidents based on such decisions made by the investigative authorities.

Meanwhile, regarding sharing information with local municipalities on serious incidents in the future, given the concerns and worries of the people of Okinawa, MOFA intends to discuss with relevant ministries and agencies, including investigative bodies, while considering factors including the privacy of the victims and the impact on investigations.

We understand that the U.S. has expressed deep concern over this issue and regret for causing people anxiety, and that it intends to continue to fully cooperate with the investigations by the local authorities and the trials.

Once again, my heart aches thinking about the victims. Incidents and accidents caused by U.S. military personnel and others provoke great concern to people in local communities, and this is unacceptable. MOFA will continue to take various occasions to request the U.S. side to ensure the prevention of incidents and accidents, including specific measures.

Minister Kamikawa: Fourthly, I cannot help but be deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ms. Hu Youping, a school bus attendant who was wounded during an attack on a school bus of the Japanese School of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, China on June 24, despite medical efforts.

Ms. Hu risked her life to protect the Japanese children on the school bus from harm. I once again offer my deepest gratitude and tribute to Ms. Hu for her courageous actions and extend my heartfelt condolences.

I also pray for the Japanese mother and child who were wounded in this incident to make a swift recovery.

The Government of Japan will continue to make every effort to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in coordination with Chinese authorities.

That is all from me.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I would like to ask about the sexual violence incident involving U.S. military personnel mentioned in your opening remarks. Regarding the December incident, Okinawa Prefecture explained that it “first became aware of the incident on June 25 when media reported about it.” You just explained that considerations for privacy and other factors were taken into account. As Foreign Minister and considering your parliamentary work on issues of sexual violence, including through the “One is Too Many” Parliamentary Association, do you believe it was appropriate to base MOFA’s judgment on the decision of the investigative authorities?

In addition, on the point of privacy considerations, given that the Government acknowledged the incident in your opening remarks, it seems to me that the impact would be the same regardless of whether the investigative authorities made it public or not. What are your thoughts on this?

Minister Kamikawa: We understand that in deciding whether to make this case public or not, the investigative authorities took into account the seriousness of the crime, as well as the fact that it had not been made public as of the indictment and that it was a sex crime and making it public may have a significant impact on the reputation and privacy of the victim.

MOFA has responded to the incidents based on such decisions made by the investigative authorities.

In making incidents public, we understand that investigative authorities have always determined the necessity of the public interest, the impact on the reputation and privacy of the persons concerned, and whether and to what extent the disclosure will affect investigations and trials, including those in the future. For each case, investigative authorities carefully determine whether, to what extent, and by what way to make such matters public.

In the case in question, we are aware that the Naha District Public Prosecutors Office disclosed a summary of the accusation on June 25.

MOFA has responded to the cases based on such decisions made by the investigative authorities.

Kyodo News, Nishiyama: My question is also about sex crimes involving the U.S. forces in Okinawa. What measures, like a curfew, are the U.S. forces considering taking in response to the incident? Please share with us any information MOFA has obtained.

Minister Kamikawa: We understand that the U.S. has expressed deep concern over this incident and regret for causing people anxiety, and that it intends to continue to fully cooperate with the investigations by the local authorities and the trials.

In any case, MOFA will continue to request the U.S. side to ensure the prevention of incidents and accidents.

Ryukyu Shimpo, Akira: My question is related to the incidents involving U.S. military personnel. In 1997, Japan and the U.S. agreed on the “Procedures for reporting incidents and accidents pertaining to U.S. Forces Japan.” MOFA’s view, as I understand it, is that not all incidents and accidents are subject to these procedures. As the document does not state which cases will be excluded, there is a possibility of arbitrary judgment, raising concerns about the procedures being reduced to a mere formality. What is your view on this?

In addition, you visited Okinawa on June 23 and attended the Memorial Ceremony to Commemorate the Fallen on the 79th Anniversary of the End of the Battle of Okinawa. By then, I believe you were aware of the multiple assault incidents by the U.S. military personnel and MOFA had made representations to the U.S. side. On the other hand, a majority of the people in Okinawa Prefecture were not informed of the incidents. What was on your mind when you were attending the ceremony under these circumstances?

Minister Kamikawa: The first question was about reporting procedures. The March 1997 Japan-U.S. Joint Committee agreement on the “Procedures for reporting incidents and accidents pertaining to U.S. Forces Japan” that you mentioned establishes, inter alia, criteria for incidents and accidents involving USFJ that the U.S. must report to the Government of Japan as well as reporting channels. It is in order to ensure the prompt response of Japanese authorities to incidents and accidents involving USFJ and to minimize the impact of such incidents and accidents on local communities.

This agreement states that incidents and accidents that may affect public safety or the environment must be reported to the Japanese side. We understand they include “incidents and accidents that may cause substantial harm or damage to Japanese people or their property.” We are also aware that the incidents and accidents to be reported are clearly specified in the document.

In any case, the Government will endeavor to ensure that incidents and accidents involving USFJ do not cause concern to people in local communities, including appropriate practice of this Japan-U.S. Joint Committee agreement.

There was also a question about what I thought of the incidents while attending the Memorial Ceremony to Commemorate the Fallen on the 79th Anniversary of the End of the Battle of Okinawa.

On June 23, I attended the Memorial Ceremony. I remembered the souls of those who perished on the battlefields as well as those who died suffering the ravages of war during the Battle of Okinawa, and expressed my mourning.

I was already aware of the incidents at that time, and my heart ached thinking about the victims. The Memorial Ceremony was also attended by young people. It is held every year with utmost efforts made by everyone to ensure that the past is not forgotten, from now to the future. In these circumstances, my heart was deeply pained, including by the recent incident.

However, this incident was a sex crime. The investigative authorities decided whether to disclose the crime upon taking into account that making it public may have a significant impact on the reputation and privacy of the victims. MOFA also refrained from making it public based on the decision made by the investigative authorities in this manner.

In any case, incidents and accidents caused by U.S. military personnel provoke great concern to people in local communities, and this is unacceptable. MOFA will continue to take various occasions to strongly request the U.S. side to ensure the prevention of incidents and accidents.

TV Asahi, Hirai: I would like to change the topic to the issue of stateless second-generation remaining Japanese in the Philippines. What are your thoughts on the fact that many Japanese remain in the Philippines in a stateless situation even now, 79 years after the war ended? Additionally, the remaining Japanese seeking to regain their nationality are aging. Please tell us about specific measures the Government plans to take to provide them relief, if any.

Minister Kamikawa: During World War II and the subsequent turmoil, many children of Japanese immigrants to the Philippines and of their Filipino wives were left stateless in the Philippines.

With the remaining Japanese in the Philippines advancing in age, the Government of Japan recognizes the need to extend support to any of them who wish to restore their nationality as soon as possible and realize temporary repatriation.

The Government has been conducting fact-finding surveys that will lead to verifying the identities of the remaining Japanese in the Philippines, including holding interviews.

To restore their nationality as soon as possible and realize other forms of assistance for the remaining Japanese, we will continue to provide active support, including expanding these fact-finding surveys, while communicating with the Government of the Philippines.

NHK, Igarashi: I would like to ask about the U.S. presidential election. This morning, Japan time, U.S. President Biden and former U.S. President Trump held their first televised debate. They engaged in a heated debate on major policies, while on the other hand, there were also exchanges of intense criticism with each calling the other the worst president in history. Please share with us your view on the debate.

Minister Kamikawa: I imagine there was a lot of interest among the American people in the debate that was just held in the U.S between the presidential candidates, which was the first opportunity for the presidential candidates to engage in direct debate leading up to the presidential election.

The Japan-U.S. Alliance is the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign and security policy, and we consistently maintain a keen interest in the U.S. domestic affairs, including developments and potential impacts. We will continue to follow the progress of the U.S. presidential election, including the outcome of this debate.

Jiji Press, Murakami: I have a question about Lethal Autonomous Weapon systems (LAWS).

On June 24, MOFA’s opinion on LAWS was published on its website. It states Japan’s position to actively and constructively participate in international rule-making. Which perspectives will the Government prioritize in engaging in international discussions? Please share the view of the Government.

Minister Kamikawa: As the rapid development of emerging technologies is having a significant impact militarily, LAWS has become one of the key issues in the field of arms control and disarmament.

We recognize that it is crucial to work toward clarifying the normative and operational framework pertaining to LAWS, while considering its relationship with existing international law, including international humanitarian law, in anticipation of further development of emerging technologies.

Furthermore, Japan places importance on conducting the military use of emerging technologies in a responsible manner, maintaining the “human-centric” principle, and ensuring reliability and predictability.

Based on these considerations, Japan recently compiled its basic views on LAWS into a working paper and submitted it to the United Nations.

Japan will continue to strive for balanced discussions that consider humanitarian and security perspectives. Through such discussions, we aim to achieve broad consensus within the international community and work actively and constructively to contribute to international rule-making, while working with like-minded countries.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: I would like to ask about the sanctions, in principle.

Despite years of sanctions against Russia and North Korea, both countries seem to have grown stronger, especially in military warfare. Meanwhile, their relations with Japan have developed into an open confrontation.

Do you think that your sanctions against Russia and North Korea have not only failed but also undermined a possible solution, a peace solution with these countries?

Does Japan have an alternative peace strategy to end the enmity with these countries?

Minister Kamikawa: Japan seeks to normalize its relations with North Korea, in accordance with the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, through comprehensively resolving the outstanding issues of concern, such as the abductions, nuclear and missile issues, as well as settlement of the unfortunate past. It is Japan’s consistent policy on the issues concerning North Korea.

Regarding Japan’s measures against North Korea that you referred to, we are taking measures that are considered most effective to comprehensively resolve the issues of concern. We intend to continue to constantly review and take appropriate responses, including our own measures.

In addition, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force and an outrageous act that shakes the very foundation of the international order, not only Europe but also Asia. It is necessary to demonstrate that such acts come at a high cost. Japan has been taking severe sanctions so far, in coordination with the international community, including the G7, and will continue to take measures.

Japan-Russia relations are facing difficult circumstances due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine; I have nothing specific to report right now regarding the peace treaty negotiations. That said, the Government will firmly maintain its policy of concluding a peace treaty through the resolution of the Northern Territories issue.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Oyabu: I would like to ask about the incidents involving U.S. military personnel. It was announced that Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Okano lodged protest to the U.S. Ambassador to Japan over the case that was revealed today. Could you tell us about the date of the protest and when MOFA provided an overview of the incident to Okinawa Prefecture?

Minister Kamikawa: First, Vice-Minister Okano lodged protest to the U.S. Embassy on June 12. Regarding communication with Okinawa Prefecture, actually, the Government has not provided such information to Okinawa Prefecture.

For each case, we understand that investigative authorities always make a decision carefully in accordance with Article 47 of the Code of Criminal Procedure on whether, to what extent, and by what way to make the case public. We understand that this approach is not limited to cases involving U.S. military personnel and is applied to cases in general.

MOFA is responding to the cases based on the decisions made by the investigative authorities.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I would like to ask one more question about U.S. military personnel. Regarding the reporting criteria in the procedures for reporting incidents and accidents, the Chief Cabinet Secretary stated at his press conference on June 27 that the procedures apply to the incident that occurred last December. Please tell us if MOFA communicated anything about this incident to the Ministry of Defense or the Okinawa Defense Bureau.

In addition, on another matter, I understand that Keidanren will be submitting recommendations on allowing married couples to use separate surnames this early evening. Do you support or are you against introducing this system? The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan has resumed discussions on this matter for the first time in three years. How do you wish the discussion to proceed from the standpoint of the Government and the ruling party?

Minister Kamikawa: The first question was about the reporting channels, is that correct?

Japan and the U.S. are communicating with each other on this incident in an appropriate manner in accordance with the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee agreement on reporting. However, I would like to refrain from disclosing the details of our communication, including the reporting channels.

Regarding the question on the option of separate surnames for married couples, we recognize that this system will have widespread impact on the entire public and that various public debates are still taking place. We believe it is necessary to have extensive discussions and obtain the broader understanding of the people.

Speaking as Foreign Minister, considering that the introduction of this system was also advised by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), I, as the competent Foreign Minister for this convention, intend to continue working closely with relevant domestic ministries and agencies and give sufficient consideration to the advisory in preparation for the next periodic report.