Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have two announcements at the outset.

First, regarding Prime Minister Ishiba’s visit to the U.S.

If circumstances permit, Prime Minister Ishiba will visit Washington D.C., the U.S. from February 6 to 8, and hold the first in-person summit meeting with President Trump.

If the circumstances permit, I will also accompany the Prime Minister.

As this will be the first in-person summit meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump, we intend to build a personal relationship of trust through candid discussions, as well as share views on issues including security and economy, confirm further cooperation between the two countries, and elevate the Alliance to new heights.

Minister Iwaya: The second is about IAEA Director General Grossi’s visit to Japan.

From February 18 to 20, IAEA Director General Grossi will make a working visit to Japan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

In view of the growing demand for nuclear energy worldwide and the increasingly severe international situation, I intend to hold thorough discussions with Director General Grossi on issues both within the country and overseas related to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and nuclear non-proliferation.

In addition, during his stay, Director General Grossi will visit the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. In Fukushima Prefecture, Director General Grossi will also preside over the IAEA’s implementation of the additional measures related to the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea.

Through the Director General’s visit to Japan, we intend to enhance the international community’s understanding of the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, and further strengthen cooperation between Japan and the IAEA related to Japan’s efforts on nuclear energy.

That is all from me.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Uemura: New laws banning the activities of UNRWA in Israel entered into force in the country on January 30. There are concerns about its impact on the distribution of humanitarian supplies and access to medical care. Could you share the thoughts of the Government of Japan? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: Japan expresses its grave concern over the recent implementation of legislation, adopted by the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) last October, that severely restricts the activities of UNRWA.

Japan views that UNRWA plays an indispensable role in providing assistance to Palestine refugees in accordance with the mandate determined by the United Nations General Assembly. The implementation of the legislation will severely restrict the movement of UNRWA staff and the delivery of supplies, among other activities, and it is concerning that this will have a serious impact on UNRWA's assistance activities.

Particularly as the implementation of the ceasefire agreement over the situation in Gaza Strip progresses, the need for rapid and safe expansion of humanitarian assistance and promotion of the provision of basic services essential to the lives of Gaza's citizens is greater than ever.

Japan has made active efforts to engage with Israel and it is extremely important to sustainably ensure an enabling environment for humanitarian assistance activities by international organizations including UNRWA. Japan will continue to make persistent diplomatic efforts, including engaging with the Israeli government.

Kyodo News, Kasai: My question is in regard to the Prime Minister’s visit to the U.S. which you mentioned at the outset. While President Trump postponed the tariffs that were scheduled to be imposed on China, Mexico, and Canada on February 4, with the exception of China, we are increasingly seeing a trade-war-like situation. Please share with us your opinions on this, as well as your views on the situation’s impact on Japan and Japanese companies and the importance of the free trade system.

Minister Iwaya: We are aware of the developments related to the tariff measures you noted. Japan will continue to closely follow the developments with great interest. We intend to respond appropriately following an adequate assessment of the impacts.

The maintenance and expansion of a rules-based free trade system is a pillar of Japan’s economic diplomacy. We believe that the free trade system has provided an essential foundation for the growth of the world economy, including the Japanese economy.

Accordingly, Japan will make continued efforts to maintain and expand a rules-based, free, and fair economic order while strengthening our cooperation with like-minded countries.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: I would like to ask two questions on different topics. The first is a follow-up to the earlier question on Gaza. During yesterday’s Budget Committee meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba indicated a willingness to accept civilians from the Gaza Strip, Palestinian territories. Could you tell us about the details being considered, such as the number of civilians and the general anticipated timeline?

That is my first question. Second, you stated earlier in your opening remarks that you will also be visiting the U.S. Your old acquaintance since high school, Mr. SON Masayoshi, committed to the Trump administration that he would make a considerable investment. Someone you were very close to is seeking to deepen the Japan-U.S. relationship. In this regard, I would like to ask for your thoughts on the significance of your visit and the unique role you are positioned to play.

(1) Medical Assistance for the Sick and Wounded in the Gaza Strip

Minister Iwaya: First, regarding Gaza, I believe Prime Minister Ishiba stated it accurately. In light of the current serious humanitarian situation in Gaza and the request from the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to the situation, we are coordinating with relevant countries on providing medical assistance for the sick and wounded in Gaza. It is called “medical evacuation.” The Government is currently considering the possibility of treating in Japan a very small number of those who are sick and wounded in Gaza and for whom local treatment is quite difficult.

The number of patients, process, and timing are being arranged and have not been decided at this time. If a very small number of patients are treated in Japan, this will be fundamentally premised on their return to Gaza following their treatment. The intended purpose is not permanent residence in Japan.

(2) Prime Minister Ishiba’s Visit to the U.S.

Minister Iwaya: Next was about the visit to the U.S. Yesterday, I attended the courtesy call on Prime Minister Ishiba by CEO Son of SoftBank and CEO Altman of OpenAI. CEO Son, who has recently become acquainted with President Trump, as well as Mr. Altman and Oracle Corporation are partnering on a large-scale investment project in the U.S. called “Stargate.” Prime Minister Ishiba previously had dinner with CEO Son to receive advice that may serve as a reference for Japan-U.S. relations. Since Mr. Altman was visiting Japan, I attended their courtesy call on the Prime Minister.

As for accompanying the Prime Minister on his visit to the U.S., I will be doing so as Foreign Minister to provide my full support to ensure that the summit meeting delivers outcomes.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I would like to ask about this Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting. My question overlaps slightly with the previous question. As you will be accompanying the Prime Minister, could you share with us your hopes for the meeting? In addition, please once again tell us whether you have planned any individual meetings with officials such as Secretary of State Rubio and National Security Advisor Waltz.

Minister Iwaya: If the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting is realized, as I have stated earlier, since it will be the first in-person meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump, I hope that it will be a fruitful meeting for the Japan-U.S. Alliance and bilateral relations going forward and for elevating the Alliance to new heights. I expect a wide range of topics to be discussed, and the contents are now being coordinated.

I will be visiting the U.S. in my role of accompanying the Prime Minister. As time is extremely limited, it is still uncertain whether my own itinerary will fit into the schedule.