Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: First, I extend my heartfelt greetings for the New Year. I thank you for your cooperation over the past year and kindly ask for your continued cooperation this year.

As this is the first press conference in 2025, I would like to begin by sharing my resolution for the year ahead.

This year’s zodiac is kinotomi (乙巳). It is said to mean, “even if there are difficulties, keep moving forward by navigating twists and turns” and “stabilize matters through effort.” A turbulent international situation is expected to continue this year. This is all the more reason why I will conduct “diplomacy based on dialogue and cooperation,” determined to lead the world from division toward cooperation and defend the peace of Japan and the region.

I just held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken and we exchanged views on a wide range of areas, including regional situations, the security, the economy, and cooperation of like-minded countries. We also confirmed the importance of upholding and bolstering the Japan-U.S. relationship, which has become stronger than ever.

I would like to express my sincere respect and gratitude to Secretary Blinken for his efforts to strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance and for his decisive actions in response to the international situation over the past four years.

This month, the second Trump administration will be inaugurated in the U.S. We will continue to hold candid discussions with the incoming Trump administration and work toward building a strong relationship of trust and cooperation. The Japan-U.S. Alliance is the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign and security policy. We will strive to raise it to further heights.

Russia’s aggression is ongoing in Ukraine. The security environment surrounding Japan is becoming ever more severe, including North Korea’s launch of a ballistic missile yesterday. Based on the Japan-U.S. Alliance, we will advance cooperation with our ally and like-minded countries, and under the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” vision, we will play a steadfast role in upholding or rebuilding the international order based on the “rule of law.”

In addition, this year will mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN). To prevent divisions and promote cooperation in the international community, Japan will continue to attach importance to cooperating with the “Global South.” We will advance fine-tuned dialogue through various opportunities, including the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), which will be held in Yokohama in August of this year.

For my first calligraphy of the year, I wrote “Ungai Soten” (雲外蒼天). It means, “beyond the clouds lies a vast blue sky,” “beyond the challenges awaits a bright future.” It is with this firm belief that I will carry out diplomacy throughout this year. I kindly ask for your continued guidance and encouragement.

That is all from me at the outset.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I would like to ask about your meeting with Secretary Blinken that you mentioned in your opening remarks. At today’s meeting, I believe you raised the topic of Nippon Steel Corporation (NSC)’s acquisition of United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel). Originally, mutual investment between Japan and the U.S. has been considered good for both economies, and the two countries have strengthened their economic relations. In this context, President Biden has decided to block the acquisition. What actions did you request Secretary Blinken in response, and what explanation did the Secretary provide? Please share with us what you can, including how much time was spent discussing this topic.

Minister Iwaya: As I mentioned at the outset, at today’s Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we discussed and exchanged views on extremely wide-ranging topics.

The U.S. Steel matter you just asked about was one of them. I raised this issue, believing it had to be touched upon considering the current circumstances.

Secretary Blinken and I also exchanged views on the economy, not only the acquisition of U.S. Steel, and reaffirmed the importance of Japan-U.S. relations, including investments by Japanese companies in the U.S.

Regarding the acquisition of U.S. Steel by NSC, I conveyed Japan’s view that Japanese investment in the U.S. is beneficial for both countries, and that it is therefore extremely regrettable that a decision was made to block the acquisition due to national security concerns despite U.S. Steel workers voicing support for it.

The business communities in both countries, especially the Japanese industry community, have expressed strong concerns and anxiety over the future of Japan-U.S. investments. We need to take these sentiments very seriously.

From this perspective, during today’s meeting I requested that the U.S. side take steps to dispel these concerns. As this is diplomatic communication, I would like to refrain from providing any more details.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Uemura: Happy New Year. Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada announced his intention to resign. Could you comment on Mr. Trudeau’s achievements as the longest serving G7 leader and share your thoughts on his resignation? In addition, several G7 leaders have changed in the past year. What efforts do you think are necessary so that G7 unity does not weaken? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: I am aware of the announcement about the intentions of Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau you just referred to. However, I would like to refrain from commenting as it concerns the domestic affairs of another country.

Japan and Canada are important strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region. As G7 members, we cooperate closely in a wide range of areas, including politics, the economy, security, and people-to-people exchanges. I would like to express my sincere respect to Prime Minister Trudeau for his efforts during his tenure as a leader of a G7 member country.

The G7 is a group of like-minded countries sharing values and principles. With the international community facing various challenges and issues, I believe the unity of the G7 will continue to remain critically important. Indeed, G7 unity and cooperation are vital for maintaining an international order that upholds the “rule of law.” With Canada assuming this year’s G7 Presidency, Japan will communicate closely with the G7 leaders and make every effort to further strengthen G7 collaboration.

NHK, Hirouchi: My question pertains to the realization of a world without nuclear weapons. The Government of Japan has long maintained the position of prioritizing the NPT regime. However, the Nihon Hidankyo (Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations), which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and Komeito, a coalition partner, are stepping up their calls for Japan’s participation as an observer in the meetings of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Prime Minister Ishiba has indicated that this matter would be examined. This year being 80 years since the end of World War II, what approach will the Government take toward eliminating nuclear weapons? In particular, how does it plan to engage with U.S. President-elect Trump and Russian President Putin, the two leaders of major nuclear-armed countries?

Minister Iwaya: First, I would like to once again express my sincere respect to Nihon Hidankyo for its longstanding efforts and my congratulations on its receiving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Japan has consistently followed the path of a peace-loving nation since the end of World War II. As the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings, we regard it as Japan’s mission to ultimately realize a “world without nuclear weapons.”

At the same time, as you are aware, it is a matter of extreme regret that military buildup, including nuclear and missile capabilities, has advanced rapidly in the periphery of Japan. In this sense, it is no exaggeration to say that Japan is facing the most severe security environment since the end of the World War II.

Accordingly, the Government has attached importance to the NPT regime, the only framework that is participated by a broad range of nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon states, based on the premise of appropriately addressing security threats while maintaining and strengthening deterrence capabilities. We will continue to work closely with the incoming U.S. administration and carry out practical and realistic efforts toward nuclear disarmament and a world without nuclear weapons.

On the TPNW matter you noted, we are currently examining, without any preconceived opinion, what action would be appropriate from the approach I just described. We will continue our review and make a decision at an appropriate time.

As for Russia, its repeated rhetoric and actions suggesting the use of nuclear weapons in the context of its aggression against Ukraine is extremely concerning and regrettable. Russia’s nuclear threats, let alone the use of nuclear weapons, is absolutely unacceptable. We will continue to seize every opportunity to exert diplomatic efforts, including calling on Russia to cease such rhetoric and behavior.

Ryukyu Shimpo, Akira: I would like to ask about preventing the recurrence of incidents involving U.S. military personnel. It has come to light that a U.S. Marine Lance Corporal, who was referred to prosecutors last November on building damage charges for breaking the door of an educational institution in Okinawa Prefecture, was also arrested in December for a separate property damage incident. The same individual was charged twice in two months. Please tell us your view on how the effectiveness of the “liberty policy” might have led to this? It seems that existing measures are not strengthening discipline among U.S. military personnel. Are you thinking of calling for stronger measures?

Minister Iwaya: First of all, it is extremely regrettable that the same individual was charged twice in two months as you mentioned. It is unacceptable.

It is important that the series of measures announced by the U.S. Forces to prevent the recurrence of incidents, including the revised “liberty policy,” actually prevent incidents and accidents. I have previously urged the Commander of U.S. Forces Japan and others to adhere to, or rather, fully implement measures for strengthening discipline and will continue to strongly do so.

Following the recent incident, we have already conveyed our regret to the U.S. side and called for measures to strengthen discipline and prevent the recurrence of incidents. I will continue to seize various opportunities to call for these measures.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: On the latest developments in Syria, do you plan to lift the sanctions against Syria at any early time? And what kind of sanctions Japan has been applying against Syria? And also do you plan to raise the embassy level there to ambassador level and to have some VIP official visits similar to the European foreign ministers’ visits to Syria? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: Japan is closely following the series of developments in Syria with grave concern.

Regarding the measures that Japan has taken to date, based on the designations by the UN Security Council’s sanctions committees, we have designated entities and individuals, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, as subject to asset freeze measures and other measures under Japanese law, including the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.

In addition, we have implemented measures under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act against members of the Assad regime and others in Syria.

Regarding these sanctions, we will make an appropriate decision by closely following future discussions within the international community as well, including the Security Council’s sanctions committees.

Our hope, above all, is to create a better situation for the people of Syria. Based on the developments, Japan will make an appropriate decision on sanctions. In other words, we intend to make an appropriate decision, including the possibility of lifting sanctions.

The Government of Japan has been in contact with members of the current interim government. While I would like to refrain from commenting on their future actions based on speculation, we expect all parties concerned to play a constructive role in promoting a comprehensive political settlement through dialogue among the Syrian people, and look forward to a peaceful and stable transition of power in Syria. Based on this view, we intend to work closely with the international community.

Seoul Shinmun, Myeong: The ROK continues to be in a state of political turmoil. How do you foresee this situation affecting Japan-ROK relations, especially security and economic cooperation? Additionally, what responses is the Government of Japan considering? Furthermore, you are scheduled to visit the ROK on January 13 and hold a meeting with the ROK Minister of Foreign Affairs. Please share your thoughts on the current coordination between the two countries and the specific items on the agenda.

Minister Iwaya: First, regarding the current situation in the ROK, the Government of Japan is paying close attention to the series of developments with serious and particular concern.

That being said, we consider Japan-ROK relations to be an extremely important bilateral relationship, and there is absolutely no change in this view. The ROK is an important neighbor which Japan should work with as partner in addressing the various challenges facing the international community. The importance of Japan-ROK relations has increased even further, particularly in the current strategic environment.

Even as the situation grows more complex, our two governments have confirmed, including during my telephone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul last month, that it is important to continue ensuring close cooperation between Japan and the ROK and among Japan, the ROK, and the U.S.

The details of my visit to the ROK have not yet been finalized. Should it materialize, the two governments, including the foreign ministers, will conduct close communication.

China Daily, Jiang: Minister Iwaya, what is your specific plan for enhancing economic activities and people-to-people exchanges between Japan and China in the new year? By the way, happy new year.

Minister Iwaya: I visited Beijing late last year, and held the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Under a broad direction of comprehensively promoting a Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests and building constructive and stable Japan-China relations as confirmed by the leaders of both Japan and China, we had discussions for three hours. Building on this meeting, we need to commit to continuing high-level communication and interaction this year.

From these perspectives, we intend to realize Foreign Minister Wang’s visit to Japan at the earliest appropriate timing this year. We also concurred to hold a high-level economic dialogue on the occasion of his visit. We will proceed with concrete coordination.

China is Japan’s largest trading partner. Approximately 13,000 Japanese companies operate in China, and nearly 102,000 Japanese nationals live in the country, although not all are business people. The Government intends to support the economic activities of the private-sector companies. In addition, we will advance Japan-China economic relations in an appropriate manner through dialogue and practical cooperation to ensure that it benefits Japan’s overall national interests.

Furthermore, during my recent visit, the two sides concurred that people-to-people exchanges, above all else, form the foundation of our relationship. Regrettably, public opinion survey results in both countries show that nearly 90% of respondents do not think favorably of each other. Therefore, we concurred that it is important first and foremost to hold active people-to-people exchanges and deepen mutual understanding.

A Japan-China High-Level People-to-People and Cultural Exchange Dialogue was held during my visit to China. Both sides will continue to make efforts to promote mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.

Financial Times, Lewis: Happy New Year. Minister, do you view that Japan should possess “preemptive strike” capabilities for cyber warfare? If so, what legal revisions will be necessary to make this possible? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: Cyberspace has become a domain of interstate competition that reflects geopolitical tensions, even amid a severe security environment. Accordingly, it has become an urgent issue to enhance and improve Japan’s cyber response capabilities.

In this regard, the National Security Strategy set the goal that “the response capabilities in the field of cybersecurity should be strengthened equal to or surpassing the level of leading Western Countries” and states that, “Japan will introduce active cyber defense for eliminating in advance the possibility of serious cyberattacks that may cause national security concerns to the Government and critical infrastructures and for preventing the spread of damage in case of such attacks, even if they do not amount to an armed attack.”

Regarding legislation development for realizing active cyber defense, the whole Government led by the Cabinet Secretariat is currently expediting deliberations to present draft legislation as early as possible, based on the recommendations received from the expert panel.

As for “preemptive strikes” that you mentioned, in general terms, Japan’s responses are conducted within the purview of Japan’s Constitution and international law. In particular, with regard to the exercise of the right of self-defense under the UN Charter, Japan’s basic position is that preemptive strikes, namely striking first at a stage when no armed attack has occurred, remain impermissible. This position remains unchanged.

Dong-a Ilbo, Song: I would like to ask for your opinion on the execution of an arrest warrant against the ROK President and the current unstable situation in the ROK. In addition, although this situation could persist for some time, I would like to ask what specific preparations Japan is making for the 60th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral relations this year.

Minister Iwaya: Japan would like to refrain from commenting on the current developments in the ROK as they are domestic affairs.

As I stated earlier, we are paying attention with serious concern, and I personally have faith in the resilience of democracy in the ROK.

Regarding the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-ROK relations which you asked about, the two countries have confirmed that preparations will be made, recognizing the extreme importance of this anniversary for the people and the future of both countries. We have announced the logo, the call for projects accredited as official projects, and other details recently. We intend to carry out commemorative projects for the 60th anniversary according to plan as much as possible.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: Happy New Year. I would like to ask about Japan’s diplomatic stance toward Ukraine and Russia. On December 31 of last year, the UK newspaper Financial Times reported that between 2013 and 2014, the Russian military prepared a list of 160 targets, including nuclear power plants, in preparation for potential war with Japan and the ROK. Japan’s missile defense system would not be able to protect nuclear power plants if they were targeted. Japan has perpetually stated that it “stands with Ukraine” and has already provided over 1 trillion yen in assistance to Ukraine. As a result, Japan is unnecessarily regarded with hostility by Moscow, and Japan continues to pointlessly provoke Russia, a neighboring country with which war must be avoided at all costs. Furthermore, Japan-Russia relations have continued to deteriorate due to Japan’s diplomacy toward Russia since the Abe administration. As the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine is evident, Japan should cease providing any more support from taxpayers’ hard-earned money. I believe it is time for Japan to change its diplomacy toward Ukraine and Russia to neutral and mediating diplomacy. Please share your opinion. Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: First, I am aware of the report you just referred to. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on the details of individual reports.

In any case, the Government will continue to closely follow Russian military developments with great interest.

Regarding your question, it has to be said that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a serious violation of the international law and an outrageous act which shakes the very foundation of the international order.

I visited Ukraine, and returned with a renewed sense that such unilateral changes to the status quo by force must not happen anywhere. It is with this view and awareness of the issues that Japan has consistently provided support for Ukraine and imposed sanctions against Russia. Therefore, your point that Japan is “pointlessly provoking Russia” does not apply.

Of course, we believe that it is critical to bring an end to this situation as soon as possible, and that it has to be driven by the will of the Ukrainian people. Japan, for its part, will continue to cooperate closely with the international community to realize a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.

As I stated at the outset, we must and hope to make this year one in which various forms of chaos, conflicts, and wars are calmed and stopped, and the international order is stabilized and rebuilt. Based on this view, Japan will continue to work to address the Ukraine issue.

Mainichi Shimbun, Kim: I would like to ask a follow-up question on the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-ROK relations. Following the normalization of relations in 1965, I believe the two countries have made progress in building a relationship of exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of areas. Could you once again share your thoughts on the significance of this upcoming 60th anniversary this year? Please also share with us how you hope to develop the bilateral relationship.

Minister Iwaya: This year marks the 60th anniversary, and various events have transpired over these 60 years. I believe the bilateral relationship was not always good. However, during the former Kishida administration, Japan-ROK relations made significant improvements and once again began to make progress. We would like to maintain and build upon this momentum.

This is because Japan and the ROK are two countries in the Asian region that share fundamental values and principles. The ROK economy has achieved remarkable growth during this time. According to some reports, its per capita GDP has already surpassed Japan’s.

Japan and the ROK have much to learn from each other. While there are certainly many challenges, we will resolve and lessen the issues one by one through persistent dialogue and effort. We will also expand areas where we can cooperate. This will benefit not only Japan and the ROK but also the region and the world. We must mark the 60th anniversary with this in mind.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: I would like to ask about your meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken which you discussed at the outset. Japan was the first country that Secretary Blinken visited upon his appointment. By visiting Japan at the end of the current administration this time, I think that he has demonstrated that he attaches importance to Japan. What do you make of the significance of the fact that he visited Japan and a meeting was held? Please explain the significance of being able to hold today’s meeting amid the mounting challenges that require international cooperation.

Minister Iwaya: As you just indicated, Secretary Blinken’s first destination was Japan, and while this is not his last as it seems that his overseas visits continue, the Secretary has visited Japan again. I believe it demonstrates the importance the U.S. attaches to Japan-U.S. relations, which I value and welcome.

A new administration will soon be inaugurated in the U.S. We hope that the incoming administration will sustain the Japan-U.S. Alliance and Japan-U.S. relationship that have reached unprecedented heights.

We hope to continue to maintain and further develop the Alliance and this relationship with the incoming administration. It was highly significant that Secretary Blinken stopped by Japan at the end of his long four-year term as Secretary of State, and that we were able to confirm this.

We too will make utmost efforts to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity going forward.