Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have an announcement at the outset.

Today, Ambassador-Designate Glass of the U.S. arrived in Japan. I welcome the early arrival of the Ambassador-Designate.

I am scheduled to receive a courtesy call next Monday. I intend to closely work together and cooperate with the Ambassador-Designate toward further strengthening and deepening the Japan-U.S. Alliance, as well as further expanding and developing Japan-U.S. economic relations.

That is all from me at the outset.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask about the Japan-U.S. negotiations on tariff measures. Yesterday, Minister Akazawa and Secretary of the Treasury Bessent and others held their first consultation in person. Minister Akazawa also held a meeting with President Trump, which was arranged at the last minute. Could you share your view and assessment of the consultation? In addition, it was announced that both sides agreed to hold the second consultation within this month. Please also share with us Japan’s intentions for the second consultation.

Minister Iwaya: First, on April 16 U.S. time, Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization Akazawa made a courtesy call on President Trump at the White House, followed by a Japan-U.S. Consultation on U.S. Tariff Measures with Secretary of the Treasury Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative Greer, also at the White House. I understand that Minister Akazawa spent approximately 50 minutes with the President and about 75 minutes with the three Cabinet members.

The courtesy call on President Trump was also attended by relevant U.S. ministers, including Treasury Secretary Bessent, Commerce Secretary Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative Greer. I understand Minister Akazawa relayed Prime Minister Ishiba’s message that “Japan hopes to achieve, at the earliest possible opportunity, a comprehensive agreement that will strengthen both the Japanese and U.S. economies.”

President Trump expressed his candid view of the current U.S. situation in the international economy. In addition, I have been briefed that the President spoke candidly about the U.S. tariff measures and stated that the consultations with Japan were a top priority. On this basis, both governments confirmed that they would continue the consultations.

During the subsequent Japan-U.S. Consultation, Minister Akazawa stated that the tariff measures by the U.S. are extremely regrettable, and explained Japan’s views on their impacts on Japanese industry as well as on increase in investment and employment in both Japan and the U.S. I understand that, on top of that, Minister Akazawa strongly urged a reconsideration of the series of tariff measures by the U.S.

As a result of this consultation, Japan and the U.S. concurred on the following points.

First, both sides will engage in consultations in a candid and constructive manner, with the aim of reaching an agreement at the earliest possible opportunity so that the leaders can announce it. Secondly, both sides will arrange the schedule with the aim of holding the next consultation within this month. Thirdly, both sides will continue the consultation at the working level in addition to at the ministerial level.

Both sides concurred on these three points.

Building on the latest consultation, the Government will work as one to make all possible efforts in preparation for the upcoming second meeting.

Indeed, I believe we were able to make a start that will lead to the next stage.

Asahi Shimbun, Kato: I believe other countries are taking interest in Japan, which is holding tariff negotiations with the U.S. ahead of other countries. It was announced that the telephone talk between President Macron of France and Prime Minister Ishiba on April 16 included a discussion on tariff measures. Have other countries asked Japan to share any information? Furthermore, Japan may serve as a “precedent.” How do you intend to leverage this in diplomacy?

Minister Iwaya: I would like to refrain from mentioning Japan’s detailed discussions with other countries as they are diplomatic communication. As a matter of course, I believe it is extremely beneficial to pursue and maintain communication on this matter with like-minded and friendly countries.

In line with this thinking, in addition to the telephone talk with President Macron of France that you noted, Prime Minister Ishiba held a telephone talk with Prime Minister Starmer of the UK on April 10 of last week, with Prime Minister Wong of the Republic of Singapore on the 14th, and with Prime Minister Anwar of Malaysia on the 16th, respectively. I understand that a wide range of economic issues were discussed, taking into account the impact of the U.S. tariff measures and other actions on the global economy and the multilateral trading system. I believe that such exchanges of views and communication should continue to be conducted actively.

As you mentioned, President Trump has also stated that the negotiations with Japan are a “top priority.” In this sense, Japan has become, how shall I say, the frontrunner, or the first in line to hold concrete consultations with the U.S. Therefore, it is only natural that Japan is attracting the attention of the international community.

It is important to engage in negotiations considering what would be most effective among all the available options, from the perspectives of what would serve Japan’s national interest and what would contribute to the international public good.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I would like to ask about Minister Akazawa’s visit to the U.S. After his meeting with President Trump, Minister Akazawa stated to reporters that he is “lower ranked” than President Trump and was “grateful that the President spoke with him directly”. Some members of the opposition parties have asked the Government to review its negotiation posture, criticizing Minister Akazawa’s humble negotiation posture. I believe they are saying that Japan should approach the negotiations “in a resolute manner”. What was your reaction to Minister Akazawa’s remarks? In addition, as for the meeting with the President, I believe it is not unusual for the President to drop in or give his greetings at such ministerial meetings in traditional U.S. diplomacy. Please share with us your assessment on this from a diplomatic standpoint.

Minister Iwaya: I believe it was a display of great humility, and I see nothing wrong with that. That is my view. I gather that Minister Akazawa’s remarks were an expression of respect for the presence of the President, given that such meetings are typically held between ministers. At the same time, I believe Minister Akazawa clearly stated what needed to be said. In that sense, I believe he engaged in the consultation with confidence.

NHK, Yonezu: I have a question related to Minister Akazawa’s visit to the U.S. Could you confirm the facts as to whether President Trump made any remarks about the Host Nation Support (HNS) during the meeting with Minister Akazawa? President Trump has repeatedly expressed his views on HNS. Where does the Government of Japan position the issue of security within the tariff negotiations? Furthermore, considering President Trump’s stance, how does the Government of Japan intend to address this issue?

Minister Iwaya: The discussions at the recent consultation are diplomatic communication, and they are truly important consultations. Indeed, I believe that both sides must be careful with the statements they make until a full agreement is reached.

Therefore, I would like to refrain from commenting on the substance of the discussions.

Incidentally, the current Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on HNS will expire in March 2027, and in principle, consultations between Japan and the U.S. on the new SMA will begin next year. This is what has been done typically for each SMA.

I expect that the main theme will naturally be the series of tariff measures. I anticipate that discussions will be carried out with a focus on this issue.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: Changing topics, I would like to ask about the Annual Spring Rites at Yasukuni Shrine that will begin on April 21. Do you have any plans to visit the shrine? If yes, for what reason? If not, please tell us how you will be making a ritual masakaki tree offering.

Minister Iwaya: I have no plan to visit at present.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: I have a question about the issue of overtourism caused by Chinese tourists. As demand for medical checkups in Japan grows among Chinese visitors, it appears that clinics specializing in medical checkups for Chinese people have opened. Some are questioning whether the provision of services specifically for the health of foreign nationals rather than Japanese nationals by Japanese doctors and medical institutions, which are significantly financed by taxpayer money, does not in effect constitute an outflow of public funds to overseas countries. Furthermore, the number of reported syphilis cases in Japan has continued to rise ever since it set a new record in 2023 at 14,906. It has been suggested that syphilis in Japan may have spread through sex tourism for Chinese people from China, which reportedly has a high number of cases by global standards. To what extent are you aware of the negative impacts that Chinese tourists may be having on Japan, and what is your assessment of such impacts?

Minister Iwaya: On the issue of so-called overtourism, there is something called the “Package of Measures to Prevent and Curb Overtourism” compiled by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2023. Based on this list, which includes various measures, the Government of Japan is providing support for the initiatives being taken in the regions.

On individual examples and impacts, I ask that you direct your inquiries to the relevant ministries and agencies that are responsible for those areas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is of course closely following the situation with interest.

Asahi Shimbun, Kato: I would like to change topics. It was announced that Russia notified its intention to conduct a military exercise in waters surrounding the Northern Territories, and that the Government of Japan has lodged a protest. Could you explain the facts and MOFA’s response?

Minister Iwaya: I am aware that, on April 17, Russian hydrographic authorities issued a navigation warning stating that, from 4:00 p.m. on April 17 to 11:00 p.m. on April 22, Japan time, a shooting drill would be conducted in waters, including Japan’s territorial waters near Kunashiri Island, Shikotan Island, and the Habomai Islands.

In response, on April 17, Japan lodged a protest through diplomatic channels, stating that Russia’s military buildup on the Four Northern Islands, including this shooting drill, goes against Japan’s position on the Four Northern Islands and is unacceptable.