Press Conferences

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

The first is about the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

The Government of Japan extends its heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on his election on May 8, local time.

The Vatican has a strong voice in the international community supported by approximately 1.4 billion Catholics. Under the new Pope, Japan looks forward to further evolving the friendly relationship with the Vatican.

Minister Iwaya: Next is about Japan-India, Japan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talks.

In response to the situation in Kashmir, I held a telephone talk with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar of India on May 7. In addition, I just held a telephone talk with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dar of Pakistan.

During my talks with both ministers, I stated that terrorism cannot be justified for any reason and Japan strongly condemns all forms of terrorism. I also stated that fair investigation and punishment of offenders of the terrorist attack which happened in Kashmir are necessary.

I feel grave pain when civilian lives, including children’s lives, are lost in India and Pakistan in the course of the recent series of events. I conveyed that Japan is deeply concerned that they could lead to further reprisals and escalate into a full-scale military conflict.

Japan will continue to urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and stabilize the situation through dialogue for peace and stability in South Asia.

Minister Iwaya: The third is about the Japan-Jordan Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Later, I am scheduled to meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Safadi of Jordan.

Jordan is a lynchpin for the stability of the Middle East region and an important partner for Japan.

With Minister Safadi, I hope to reaffirm that the two countries will further work together toward strengthening our strategic partnership. Additionally, we will further strengthen our collaboration for addressing the situation in Gaza, as well as toward a two-state solution and the establishment of long-term regional peace and stability.

That is all from me at the outset.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: I would like to ask about the U.S. tariff measures. The Governments of the U.S. and UK reached an agreement on trade yesterday. The U.S. side agreed to reduce tariff measures in certain sectors, which appears to align with the outcomes that Japan aims to achieve through its own tariff negotiations with the U.S. With U.S. tariff measures affecting the world economy, how do you view the accumulation of such achievements through negotiations? At the same time, the 10% tariff on automobiles remains in effect, which gives a glimpse into the U.S. hardline stance. Toyota Motor Corporation forecasted a deterioration in its financial results. How does Japan intend to proceed with its negotiations? Please also share with us whether Japan plans to expedite an agreement or not.

Minister Iwaya: I am aware that a trade agreement between the U.S. and UK was unveiled on May 8, U.S. time. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on each development regarding other countries.

In any case, Japan and the U.S. have concurred that 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.

Giving due consideration to the outcome of the Japan-U.S. consultations to date, the Government of Japan will continue to make all-out efforts, working as a unified force and addressing this issue as our utmost priority.

That being said, as the positions and circumstances of each country are different, it is only natural that the schedule, content, and timing of the consultations with the U.S. will vary.

Japan has held two rounds of consultations led by chief negotiator Akazawa. The Government will work as a unified force in the lead-up to the third round of consultations.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I would like to ask about China’s intrusion into the territorial waters and airspace of Japan. On the 3rd of this month, a China Coast Guard helicopter intruded into Japan’s territorial airspace around the Senkaku Islands, leading to both Japan and China lodging protests against each other. In addition, Chinese vessels have continued to approach Japanese territorial waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands. It seems that while efforts are being made to improve bilateral economic relations, China has intensified its military coercion around Japan. How do you view this situation? How do you think the Government of Japan should deal with China to avoid the escalation of the situation?

Minister Iwaya: It is extremely regrettable that on May 3, four China Coast Guard vessels entered Japan’s territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands, and a helicopter launched from one of the China Coast Guard vessels intruded into Japan's territorial airspace. On the same day (May 3), Japan issued a very severe protest with the Chinese side and strongly urged the Government of China to ensure that similar acts do not recur.

Based on our policy to firmly and perpetually defend the lives and property of our citizens as well as Japan’s territorial land, airspace, and sea, the Government will continue to strive to gather information in coordination with the relevant ministries and agencies with a sense of vigilance, and do its utmost in monitoring the areas around the Senkaku Islands.

While there are numerous issues and concerns between Japan and China, including those concerning security, it has been the consistent policy of the Government to aim to comprehensively promote a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and build “constructive and stable Japan-China relations,” assuming that Japan works together with its ally and like-minded countries that share common values.

Under this broad direction, we intend to further deepen communication in a range of fields, including regular communication in the field of security through the Japan-China Security Dialogue and other opportunities, as well as continue to make efforts to reduce issues and concerns one at a time and increase areas of cooperation one at a time.

Chugoku Shimbun, Nakagawa: I would like to ask about the NPT Preparatory Committee. The Joint Statement on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education compiled by the Government of Japan omitted the phrase, the “catastrophic humanitarian consequences” of the use of nuclear weapons, which was included in the previous 2022 statement. Could you please explain the reason and also share your thoughts about toning down the language used to describe the horrors of atomic bombings? Additionally, please share your views about the U.S. endorsing the previous statement but not joining the latest statement.

Minister Iwaya: The statement you referred to underscores that disarmament and non-proliferation education is a useful and effective means to advance the goal of achieving a world without nuclear weapons and calls on the international community to promote disarmament and non-proliferation education.

The statement mentions that this year marks the 80th year since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and notes that the knowledge amassed on the “devastating and multifaceted impacts and consequences resulting from the use of nuclear weapons, in both short and long term” has made contributions to disarmament and non-proliferation education.

It then states that “Among the disarmament education efforts around the world, the invaluable testimonies of those who experienced and witnessed the devastation caused by nuclear explosions and its aftermath have played an indispensable role,” and that the countries joining the statement encourage all NPT States Parties to “ensure the stories and memories of those affected are preserved and passed on to future generations.” In this sense, the statement incorporates a broader range of perspectives than before.

Therefore, I believe that simply because the wording differs from the previous statement does not affirm your comment that the statement has been toned down.

I would like to refrain from disclosing the details of the coordination involved in this statement, and I believe it is appropriate that I refrain from evaluating the actions taken by individual countries. That said, Japan has confirmed with the U.S. and other relevant countries on continuing to work together in the lead-up to the Review Conference next year.

Incidentally, 96 countries joined together in submitting the statement to the Preparatory Committee, which was the largest number ever. In this sense, it can be said that momentum is gradually building, and Japan has made contributions to this end.

Tribune News, Susilo: In the evening of May 4, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, former Prime Minister of Japan, visited the residence of President Prabowo of Indonesia. Mr. Kishida directly delivered a letter from Prime Minister Ishiba to the President. The former Prime Minister stated that one of the points in the letter was the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) project. Please share what was written in the letter from Prime Minister Ishiba. Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: Mr. Kishida Fumio, former Prime Minister and House of Representatives member, visited the Republic of Indonesia with the Parliamentary Association of the AZEC delegation from May 3 to 5 as the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister and Supreme Advisor to the Parliamentary Association of AZEC.

The delegation led by Special Envoy Kishida presented a personal letter from Prime Minister Ishiba and held a meeting with President Prabowo of the Republic of Indonesia.

As the content of the letter you asked about is diplomatic communication, I would like to refrain from disclosing the details. I understand that during the meeting with President Prabowo, Special Envoy Kishida discussed the establishment of the Parliamentary Association of AZEC to further promote cooperation on AZEC, which I mentioned earlier, and Japan’s determination to continue developing AZEC in collaboration with Indonesia. I gather that the content of the letter concerns such matters.

NHK, Yonezu: My question is in relation to your opening remarks. Could you please tell us to the extent you can what the Pakistani side stated during your telephone talk with Foreign Minister Dar and the Pakistani position that was explained to you?

Minister Iwaya: As this is basically diplomatic communication, I would like to refrain from disclosing the details. A detailed explanation was provided in line with the position that the Government of Pakistan has made public so far.

In any case, I conveyed clearly to both India and Pakistan that Japan wishes for and urges the two countries to calm and stabilize the situation through dialogue.

Asahi Shimbun, Kato: I will ask about the passing of Professor Joseph S. Nye. Following on from the passing of Ambassador Richard Armitage in April, we have received the news of the passing of Professor Nye who had a profound impact on the Japan-U.S. relationship. What were your thoughts on learning of his passing? Professor Nye advocated for “soft power,” the concept of influencing others through culture and values without resorting to coercion. Considering the current international situation, how do you think soft power should be used in Japanese diplomacy?

Minister Iwaya: I have had the privilege of meeting Professor Joseph Nye on numerous occasions. Professor Nye and Ambassador Armitage, who recently passed away, released a number of reports called the “Armitage-Nye” reports. I have had the opportunity to meet Professor Nye in person and receive his guidance. I would like to once again express my heartfelt respect for his achievements and extend my condolences on his passing.

Professor Nye is well known for coining and popularizing the term “soft power,” which you just mentioned.

Nowadays, every time I travel overseas, I have seen firsthand the global appreciation for not only Japan’s history, traditions, and culture, for example, but also its more recent J-pop, anime, and manga. I am reminded that they also make up Japan’s soft power.

Valuing what Professor Nye has taught me and guided me through, I will continue to make full use of soft power in carrying out Japan’s diplomacy.