Press Conferences

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

First, if circumstances permit, I will visit India from August 19 to 21 to attend the Japan-India 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting.

This will be my first visit to India since assuming office as Minister for Foreign Affairs. During the visit, I intend to hold a strategic dialogue with Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar and further deepen our discussions, building on our discussions at both the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (QUAD) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Japan-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held at the end of last month.

I will focus especially on the following two points in the upcoming Japan-India “2+2.”

First is deepening Japan-India cooperation for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” Japan and India will demonstrate their commitment to maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Secondly, we will confirm the specific direction of bilateral security and defense cooperation, including the progress of our defense equipment and technology cooperation and the implementation of joint training.

At my meeting with Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar, we will exchange views toward further deepening the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

In addition, with many Japanese companies considering India not only as a base for the Indian market but also for third country markets, including Africa, we appointed an official in charge of cross-border economic affairs at the Embassy of Japan in India to support such trends.

On the occasion of my visit, I will hear directly from Japanese companies about the local challenges and other matters and leverage this insight to enhance our support for Japanese companies.

Minister Kamikawa: Second, the TICAD Ministerial Meeting will be held from August 24 to 25 in Tokyo as a preparatory meeting for the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) to be held in August next year in Yokohama.

The Ministerial Meeting will be an important process for next year’s TICAD 9, bringing together ministers from African countries to exchange views on the challenges and initiatives of African countries and regions, including measures for achieving economic growth, peace, and stability on the continent.

While emphasizing connectivity and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) as cross-cutting approaches, we aim to further strengthen our partnership with African countries to co-create innovative solutions to the social, peace and stability, and economic challenges facing Africa and guide the international community toward cooperation.

We will accelerate the preparation for the TICAD Ministerial Meeting, building on the opinions and suggestions I received during both my visit to Africa this April and my discussions with the diplomatic missions of African regions to Tokyo as part of my outreach diplomacy.

Minister Kamikawa: Third, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue, which was pioneered by Japan in 2004. Furthermore, tomorrow, August 9, Prime Minister Kishida will attend its first ever summit meeting, which will be held in Kazakhstan, and intends to further deepen the partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation that has been built up to date with the five Central Asian countries.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has actively used an illustration for the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue, courtesy of Ms. MORI Kaoru, creator of the manga A Bride’s Story (Otoyome Gatari) set in Central Asia, for external communications. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Dialogue this time, we asked Ms. Mori to make a new illustration.

This is the illustration.

The design of each character draws inspiration from the flags of Japan and the five Central Asian countries. It embodies the philosophy of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue, in which Japan acts as a catalyst and walks hand-in-hand with the five Central Asian countries to advance their partnership and development.

MOFA will further invigorate the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue by utilizing both the illustration it has been using and the new illustration which has been created to commemorate the 20th anniversary.

The new illustration will be unveiled on MOFA’s website and social media channels following today’s press conference. I encourage everyone to take a close look at the detail.

Minister Kamikawa: Next is the fourth announcement.

I believe many people will be traveling overseas during their summer break. In addition, more people are going overseas for business trips and other occasions. In response, MOFA is stepping up calls for safety measures to prevent involvement in incidents and accidents overseas.

Starting this Monday, MOFA’s official social media channels posted a video in which the passport mascot, Pasupo-kun, and I are urging people to register with the Tabi-Regi overseas travel registration service and not to lose their passports. Please take a look at the video.

Minister Kamikawa: Lastly, the personnel decisions related to senior officials of MOFA were approved during the Cabinet meeting this morning. The announcements will be effective as of August 20.

Director-General/Assistant Minister of the Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department KITAGAWA Katsuro will be appointed Director-General/ Assistant Minister of the European Affairs Bureau. Deputy Director-General/ Deputy Assistant Minister of the Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department and Deputy Director-General/ Deputy Assistant Minister of the European Affairs Bureau NAKAMURA Kimitake will be promoted to succeed Director-General Kitagawa.

In addition, Director-General for Cultural Affairs/ Assistant Minister KANAI Masaaki will be appointed Director-General/ Legal Adviser of the International Legal Affairs Bureau. Deputy Director-General/ Deputy Assistant Minister of the International Cooperation Bureau OKANO Yukiko will be promoted to succeed Director-General Kanai.

Director-General/ Assistant Minister of the European Affairs Bureau NAKAGOME Masashi and Director-General/ Legal Adviser of the International Legal Affairs Bureau MIKANAGI Tomohiro will belong to the Minister’s Secretariat.

Under a new group of officials, MOFA will continue to exert all efforts to address a wide range of diplomatic issues.

That is all from me.

NTV, Suzuki: I would like to ask three questions about the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony, which will be held on August 9. First, what is MOFA’s view on G7 ambassadors and others expressing their intention not to attend the ceremony because the Israeli ambassador to Japan is not invited?

Second, regarding the reason for their absence, the G7 ambassadors and others explained that placing Israel, which is exercising its right to self-defense, on the same level with Russia, which is conducting an aggression against a sovereign state, would be misleading. Please tell us about MOFA’s opinion of this reasoning. Does it support it?

Third, some of the Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) and others have expressed regret, especially over the U.S. ambassador’s announcement of his absence. What stance will you take in the meeting with the Hibakusha organizations on August 9? Thank you.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware that U.S. Ambassador to Japan Emanuel, UK Ambassador to Japan Longbottom, and others have expressed their intention not to attend the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony for the reason that the invitation of Israel was forgone.

This ceremony is an event hosted by Nagasaki City, and the Government is not in a position to comment on attendees from diplomatic missions.

That being said, as we have always stated, we view that promoting efforts toward the correct understanding of the realities of atomic bombing across generations and national borders is our priority in our pursuit of peace. I intend to reaffirm this commitment to the Hibakusha during my meeting with Hibakusha organizations scheduled for tomorrow.

Kyodo News, Nishiyama: I have a follow-up question. Some Hibakusha seem to think that Russia and Belarus should be invited to both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki ceremonies. Could you share with us MOFA’s opinion on whether they should be invited? Thank you.

Minister Kamikawa: It is the host, Nagasaki City, which decides who will be invited to the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony. The Government is not in a position to comment on this matter.

NHK, Igarashi: I have a question too, on Nagasaki City’s Peace Memorial Ceremony. Did MOFA coordinate in advance with Nagasaki City on who would be invited to the ceremony? In addition, Hiroshima City invited Israel, whereas Nagasaki City did not. Please share with us your thoughts on the decision differing between municipalities. Lastly, some suggested that G7 unity may become harder to achieve, including on responses to the situation in the Middle East. How do you foresee the impact of this matter?

Minister Kamikawa: We communicate with Nagasaki City about administrative matters regularly. Regarding this matter as well, MOFA has provided explanations to Nagasaki City, including about the international situation. In any case, it was the host, Nagasaki City, which decided who will be invited to the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony.

The Government of Japan has consistently worked closely with other G7 members on the various challenges facing the international community and has jointly led the G7’s responses. We believe there is no cause for concern that the development related to this event hosted by Nagasaki City will cause a rift within the G7.

Asahi Shimbun, Takahashi: I would like to ask about the Nagasaki ceremony. It has been revealed that the G7 members, excluding Japan, had sent a letter to Nagasaki City prior to the ceremony. The letter reportedly stated that it would be difficult for the countries to send their high-level officials if Israel is not invited. Was MOFA aware of this letter? Furthermore, in the letter, the countries reportedly asked the city to invite Israel. How do you assess the fact that the countries requested the city to change its policy?

Minister Kamikawa: We communicate with Nagasaki City about administrative matters regularly. Regarding this matter as well, MOFA has provided explanations to Nagasaki City, including about the international situation.

While we are aware that such a letter had been sent, it was addressed to the Mayor of Nagasaki City from ambassadors to Japan of the G7 countries and the Government is not in a position to make any further comment. What was your second question?

Asahi Shimbun, Takahashi: What is your opinion on the G7 members asking the city to change its policy and invite Israel, in other words, expressing their wish for the invitation of Israel?

Minister Kamikawa: This ceremony is an event hosted by Nagasaki City, and we understand that the attendees from the respective diplomatic missions are coordinated between Nagasaki City and the missions.

That being said, we communicate with the respective diplomatic missions and Nagasaki City about administrative matters regularly, including this matter. However, I would like to refrain from disclosing any further details.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: On Hiroshima and Nagasaki issue, should I understand that Minister you said the cities are responsible for the invitation, not the Japanese Government. However, is the Japanese Government concerned now that the G6 countries who are supporting Israel that is accused of genocide by the ICC? The genocide similar to what happened to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. So are you concerned that their politicalizing the peace ceremony in Hiroshima and Nagasaki will damage the legacy of these two cities? And also damage the decades-long struggle and promotion for eliminating nuclear weapons?

Minister Kamikawa: The peace memorial ceremonies in Hiroshima and Nagasaki are events hosted by Hiroshima and Nagasaki Cities, respectively, and the Government is not in a position to comment on them.

That being said, speaking in general terms, next year will mark 80 years since the atomic bombings. With the average age of the Hibakusha surpassing 85, we view that communicating the realities of atomic bombing to future generations is our priority in our pursuit of peace.

Japan, as the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings during war, will continue to promote efforts toward the correct understanding of the realities of atomic bombing across generations and national borders, including visits to the atomic-bombed sites.

Jiji Press, Murakami: I would like to ask about the situation in the Middle East. According to Iran’s state media, an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held yesterday, where Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Bagheri of Iran reiterated its intention to retaliate against Israel for killing the top Hamas leader, Haniyeh, in Tehran, asserting that Iran has no choice but to exercise its legitimate right against Israel’s aggression and that it will act in a timely and balanced manner. What is the Government’s view on Iran’s right to self-defense? Please also share with us your view on the potential escalation of the situation caused by the retaliation.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware of the remarks you mentioned by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Bagheri Kani of Iran.

Japan is closely following the current situation in the Middle East with grave concern and alarm. However, I will refrain from making a definitive assessment as the facts surrounding the incident cannot be fully ascertained at this time.

In any case, it is important to avoid retaliatory attacks and calm down the situation. Japan will continue to make all diplomatic efforts while working closely with other countries to avoid further escalation. We will also continue to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens residing in the region.

Hokkaido Shimbun, Imai: My question concerns the detainment in Siberia. Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, collection of the remains of Japanese detainees in Russia has been suspended, and activities to gather materials, such as lists of detainees, have decreased. There also used to be Japan-Russia intergovernmental consultations aimed at resolving the detainment issue. What diplomatic efforts is Japan currently making to urge Russia to uncover the realities of the detainment and resume the collection of remains? Please also tell us about if any such efforts are being made.

Minister Kamikawa: MOFA, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), is making steadfast efforts to ensure that the collection of remains in Russia can be resumed swiftly and smoothly when collection becomes possible.

Specifically, in coordination with MHLW, we have continued to urge Russia to resume the collection of remains and provide materials pertaining to Japanese who died during their detainment.

MOFA will continue to address the collection of remains appropriately.