Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I imagine there will be many tough questions today, so let me start with a positive announcement.

On December 5 (local time on December 4), “Traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making with koji mold in Japan,” which was proposed by Japan, was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It covers traditional sake-making techniques used for producing sake, shochu, awamori, and other spirits.

I am delighted with the inscription, and I would like to express my sincere respect and extend my congratulations to all those who have dedicated themselves to preserving and promoting “Traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making with koji mold in Japan.”

With the inscription of this element on UNESCO’s list, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will further promote the appeal of Japanese skills of sake-making and Japanese alcoholic beverages to the world, and will further make active use of such appeals as a diplomatic tool on various diplomatic occasions.

That is all from me at the outset.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: I would like to ask about the situation in the ROK. The ruling party in the ROK, the People Power Party, has expressed support for a bill to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, increasing the likelihood of the bill’s passage. Could you share with us the Government’s impressions of this matter? If the bill is passed, what actions will the Government be taking and what impact do you expect on Japan-ROK relations?

Minister Iwaya: I believe the situation is extremely fluid and is constantly changing. As such, I would like to refrain from making any conclusive statements at this stage.

In addition, as this is an internal affair of another country, I would like to refrain from making any assessments. In any case, the Government of Japan will continue to pay close attention to the recent developments in the ROK with serious and particular concern.

You asked about if the bill is passed. However, I would like to refrain from answering hypothetical questions. Japan and the ROK are both important bilateral partners and neighboring countries that should work together on various challenges facing the international community.

Our overall work with the ROK going forward will be determined appropriately in the course of paying close attention to the situation.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I have a follow-up question. It is not a hypothetical question. What is your assessment of President Yoon’s contribution to, for example, improving Japan-ROK relations and promoting trilateral cooperation among Japan, the U.S., and the ROK? Please also share with us your views on the impact of the developments on Japan-ROK relations and on the situation in East Asia.

Minister Iwaya: I believe it is a fact that Japan-ROK relations improved considerably in recent years under former Prime Minister Kishida and President Yoon.

At this stage, I would like to refrain from speculating on the domestic and international impacts of the recent developments.

We hope to continue to steadily evolve Japan-ROK relations in a future-oriented manner and maintain a bilateral relationship that can contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.

Nikkei Shimbun, Kawakami: My question may have some overlaps with the previous questions. It is about Japan-ROK relations. A bill to impeach the ROK President has been submitted, raising doubts about whether President Yoon can stay in office despite having time left in his term. If a president who prioritizes improving relations with Japan resigns, it could lead to a setback in Japan-ROK relations. Historically, I believe the distance between Japan and the ROK has been influenced by ROK domestic affairs. What is your view on the fact that relations fluctuate significantly between Japan and the ROK, which are situated at a strategic point of security? Furthermore, how do you think it will affect security in the Indo-Pacific region?

Minister Iwaya: My answer will be similar to what I stated earlier. At this stage, I would like to refrain from speculating on the future impact of the current situation in the ROK.

We consider Japan-ROK relations to be extremely important bilateral relations and neighboring country relations. Furthermore, considering the overall international situation at this time, it will remain vital that Japan and the ROK, as well as Japan, the U.S., and the ROK work together. Accordingly, the Government of Japan will continue to work to fully maintain, sustain, and develop such relationships.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: I have a question related to the ROK that may slightly overlap with the previous questions, too. Issues of history have been simmering for years between Japan and the ROK. While the bilateral relationship has become somewhat stable under President Yoon, some are raising concerns that problems would resurface if there is a change in administration. For instance, next year, a memorial event for all the workers of the Sado Island Gold Mines, which the ROK did not attend this year, is scheduled to be held again next year. Additionally, the radar irradiation issue, on which an agreement was reached this May, could resurface. Amidst these concerns, how does the Government plan to manage the Japan-ROK relationship in light of past issues? You mentioned earlier that the Government would work to maintain, develop, and sustain the relationship. Could you explain how the Government intends to manage the relationship?

Minister Iwaya: As you noted, there have been various challenging issues between Japan and the ROK.

However, I believe that we have been able to overcome them each time, one by one, through dialogue and mutual efforts. While some issues remain, I am confident that we can overcome them through persistent and sincere dialogue. We intend to continue engaging with the ROK with this conviction.

The future, of course, will be decided by the people of the ROK. In any case, Japan intends to make utmost efforts to further stabilize and develop Japan-ROK relations.

TV Asahi, Iida: You mentioned earlier that the situation is changing. Indeed, large-scale protests and rallies have been taking place every day. This weekend, a large-scale rally is supposed to be held near an area in central Seoul where many Japanese visitors go to. Are you not concerned that harm could come to Japanese residents or visitors?

Minister Iwaya: In response to the recent situation, Japan’s embassy and consulates-general in the ROK immediately sent out consular emails. Based on the situation, we will continue to send out consular emails as needed to provide alerts and take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese people in the ROK.

Mainichi Shimbun, Kim: I would like to ask about the direction of Japan’s foreign and security policy for the Northeast Asian region. On one hand, Russia, China, and the DPRK, which are pressing for changes to the existing international order, have increased their presence. On the other hand, I believe there are growing uncertainties over the unity and leadership of Japan, the U.S., and the ROK, which seek to maintain the status quo. The uncertainties include the inauguration of the Trump administration, which prioritizes “America First” over international cooperation, as well as the recent declaration of martial law that gave rise to domestic turmoil. Japan, too, faces the challenge of managing a minority government. Amid such increasing uncertainties in regional security, what are your current thoughts on the role that Japan should play in maintaining peace and stability?

Minister Iwaya: Now is a critical time, a time to stand firm. Looking at the situation around the world, the aggression against Ukraine has still not ceased, and the security environment surrounding Japan has become increasingly severe. In the Middle East, while a ceasefire has been achieved between Israel and Lebanon, the issue of Gaza remains unresolved. Additionally, there is an issue of military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK. The international situation overall is very severe. Furthermore, there was a recent incident in the ROK. Political instability in European countries has been reported, and the U.S. is in a period of transitioning to a new government. We recognize that the challenge before us is how to advance diplomacy and ensure peace in Japan in a highly unstable situation, as you indicated.

We believe it is necessary to carefully monitor and analyze, with close attention, how the situations in various countries will impact the overall international situation. However, even in these circumstances, Japan’s basic diplomatic approach will not and must not change. This approach is to work closely with our allies and like-minded countries, with the Japan-U.S. Alliance as the cornerstone, as well as build constructive and stable relations with neighboring countries, coordinate closely with the so-called Global South countries, and continue to be a country that contributes to a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and to peace, stability, and prosperity. To this end, we intend to make even greater efforts for dialogue.

NHK, Yonezu: I would like to switch the topic to visas for Chinese nationals. Some media outlets have reported that the Government will be easing visa issuance requirements for Chinese visitors to Japan. Can you update us on the Government’s consideration of this matter? Looking ahead to expanding people-to-people exchanges and so forth, what are your thoughts on the necessity of relaxing the requirements? In addition, you have expressed your wish to visit China as early as possible. If, for example, a foreign ministers’ meeting will be held before the end of the year, are you planning to convey Japan’s intention to ease visa requirements at the meeting? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: Japan-China relations are founded on exchanges between the people of the two countries. In this regard, China’s recent resumption of visa exemptions for short-term stays is highly welcomed. I expect that this measure will lead to more active people-to-people and economic exchanges between Japan and China.

Regarding visas for Chinese visitors to Japan, we have taken related measures in the past. At this time, no new measures to ease visa requirements have been decided. We will continue to take appropriate measures based on the changes in the situation.

As for my visit to China, we will continue to coordinate to realize a visit as early as possible, but this has not yet been finalized either. If I do actually visit China, I hope to have a fruitful meeting and deliver outcomes. We will carefully consider and coordinate these and other details.

Tokyo Shimbun, Kitagawa: I would like to ask a question taking into account that December 10 is World Human Rights Day designated by the United Nations. My question is about China and Cambodia. Human rights groups and researchers have noted that Chinese and Cambodian nationals in Japan are under increasing political pressure and surveillance from their home countries. Our own investigations suggest the same. Needless to say, Japan attaches importance to human rights, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. I believe freedom of political activity is also included in this. Against this backdrop, imposing political pressure across borders cannot be overlooked and is also incompatible with the world vision of FOIP. What is your opinion or view on the observation that Chinese and Cambodian nationals are under increasing political pressure from across the border? Put simply, do you have any plans to convey Japan’s thoughts, position, or opinion to China and Cambodia through the government or embassy channels or on diplomatic occasions, such as meetings and conferences?

Minister Iwaya: While I do not know the matter you just mentioned as a definitive fact, it goes without saying that whenever incidents are identified involving suspected violations of Japanese laws and regulations, including those targeting foreign residents, investigations and inquiries will be conducted in collaboration with relevant agencies. If any acts in violation of laws and regulations are found, rigorous actions will be taken.

As you stated, Japan believes it is critical to ensure international universal values, including freedom, respect for fundamental human rights, and the rule of law. Japan has consistently conveyed its position to the Governments of China and Cambodia. The Government of Japan will continue to work closely with the international community, and should such incidents be identified, urge China and Cambodia to take actions as needed.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: The Budget Committee began this week. I believe you have been listening to Prime Minister Ishiba’s responses throughout the meeting. He is known to be a skilled debater. What are your candid impressions of Prime Minister Ishiba? He has been working nonstop since the party’s presidential election. To me, he appears to be doing fine. I would like to hear your candid impressions and thoughts. Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: Since this is the first Budget Committee , the Prime Minister has been responding to questions for most of the time at both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. Listening to the discussion at his side, I feel that Prime Minister Ishiba has been providing very precise and appropriate responses, and that his unique insights are providing more substance to the discussion.

The Prime Minister has been working nonstop since the party’s presidential election through today, with overseas visits also taking place during that time. I imagine he must be quite tired. Conversely, the Budget Committee debates have started, and the Prime Minister seems to be gaining tremendous vitality.

Through humble, thorough debates, which Prime Minister Ishiba emphasizes, I hope that the responses will gain broader understanding not only among the members of the Diet but also among the people of Japan.