Press Conferences

Mr. KITAMURA Toshihiro, Press Secretary: I have two announcements at the outset.

The first is about Afghanistan. Yesterday, on August 27, we issued a Press Secretary’s statement expressing Japan’s concern on the human rights situation in Afghanistan. I will not repeat the details, but Japan will continue to work with the international community to urge the Taliban to reverse its oppressive measures, including restrictions on the rights of women and girls, while continuing our own efforts to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Press Secretary Kitamura: The second is about the situation in the Middle East. As Foreign Minister Kamikawa mentioned at the press conference yesterday, the current situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. The Government of Japan will continue to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals residing in the region, as well as make diplomatic efforts while working closely with other countries to avoid further escalation.

As part of these efforts, Foreign Minister Kamikawa just held a telephone talk with Foreign Minister Araghchi of Iran. Minister Kamikawa urged Iran to exercise restraint to avoid further tensions, and called on Iran to strongly urge restraint on other relevant entities, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, on which it has influence.

These are all the two announcements from me.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Oyabu: My question is related to Russia. Recently, Russia has been criticizing Japan in the context of World War II, presenting its own historical views on the atomic bombings during the war, and intensifying its criticism that recent Japan is promoting militarism. I also heard that Russia will hold a commemorative event on September 3, as the anniversary of its victory over militaristic Japan. Please share with us the view of the Government of Japan on this matter.

Press Secretary Kitamura: As you mentioned, I am aware that Russia is repeatedly making various unilateral remarks about history. The Government of Japan will not comment on such remarks one by one, but I would like to take this opportunity to make four points.

First, there will be no change to Japan’s post-war orientation as a peace-loving country in the future. As a fundamental principle of security, Japan will adhere to the basic policy of maintaining an exclusively national defense-oriented policy, not becoming a military power that poses a threat to other countries. Assertions inferring that Japan is reviving militarism are absolutely inapplicable. We consider that Japan has constantly upheld freedom, democracy, and the rule of law following the war, and contributed not only to Asia, but also to global prosperity.

Second, Japan believes that the 79 years of history since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, during which time no nuclear weapons have been used, must not be ignored. Russia’s suggestion of the use of nuclear weapons is extremely concerning. Japan, as the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings during wartime, can never accept Russia’s nuclear threats, let alone its use of nuclear weapons, and this position has not changed.

Third, Japan has strongly urged Russia to take an appropriate response so that no useless emotional conflict is provoked between Russian and Japanese citizens over past wars.

As you are referring to, last June, Russia changed the name of September 3, the Day of the End of World War II to the Day of Victory over Militaristic Japan and the End of World War II. Such action is one example of that.

Then fourth and lastly, although Russia condemns that Japan is promoting militarism, Russia’s current actions in Ukraine infringe upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and these are a serious violation of international law, which prohibits the use of force. We must not tolerate such an outrageous act that shakes the very foundations of the international order.

Japan intends to once again strongly urge Russia to stop the aggression at the earliest possible time, and to withdraw its forces immediately from Ukraine.

NHK, Takigawa: I would like to ask about the situation in Ukraine. President Zelensky of Ukraine has announced that he intends to present U.S. President Biden with a draft for a plan to end the war, as well as possibly presenting this plan to the presidential candidates of both the Democratic and Republican parties. Could you tell us about the Government’s view on this?

Press Secretary Kitamura: We are aware of the announcement by President Zelensky of Ukraine at a press conference yesterday, on August 27, that you are referring to.

In the international community, there are various developments surrounding Ukraine currently, but the Government would like to refrain from commenting on individual developments between third countries, such as this matter.

The Government will continue to consistently respond in a manner that stands with Ukraine, and this position has not changed. We will continue to closely follow international efforts on the situation in Ukraine and will take appropriate steps.