Press Conferences

Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi: I have three announcements at the outset.

First is about the implementation of the Gaza Ceasefire Agreement.

Regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, yesterday on October 13, 20 survivors among the hostages held by Hamas were released. The Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the release of the hostages and the realization of the ceasefire, as well as the resumption of the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

In addition, the signing ceremony for this agreement was held in Egypt on the 13th, and the international community demonstrated its commitment to work together toward a sustainable ceasefire, the prompt improvement of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the realization of a two-state solution. I consider this to be of utmost significance.

I would like to once again express my respect for the leadership of U.S. President Trump and the tireless diplomatic efforts of the relevant countries.

As for Japan, Prime Minister ISHIBA has sent letters to both President Trump and President El-Sisi of Egypt respectively, and conveyed that Japan remains ready to continue contributing to the improvement of the situation. Furthermore, Ambassador IWAI to Egypt attended the ceremony and explained Japan’s position to the parties concerned.

Japan will continue to work closely with relevant countries, international organizations, and related agencies, and strongly urge all parties concerned to steadily implement the comprehensive plan. Additionally, Japan intends to actively contribute to international efforts toward the improvement of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and its early recovery and reconstruction. At the same time, we will continue to play a practical and proactive role in steadily bringing the realization of a two-state solution one step closer.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: Next is about Japan-Sweden Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

I am scheduled to hold a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today with Foreign Minister Stenergard of Sweden, who is visiting Japan from October 12 to October 15, for the first time since this April.

We will further strengthen our bilateral relations, discuss the regional situation, and deepen cooperation as strategic partners sharing common values and principles.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: Third is about the use of reconstruction and recycled soil in Fukushima.

Based on the “Roadmap for the Promotion of Reconstruction and Reuse toward Off-Site Final Disposal of Removed Soil in Fukushima” set out in August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) carried out construction work to use reconstruction and recycled soil in Fukushima at the south entrance rotary of MOFA from October 11 to October 13.
MOFA will continue to work closely with relevant ministries and agencies, as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to firmly address the promotion of reconstruction and reuse.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: I would like to ask about U.S.-China relations. The U.S. has announced that it will impose 100% tariffs on China, and China has indicated its readiness to take countermeasures, heightening tensions. President Trump has raised concerns about China’s rare earth export controls. How does Japan view the current escalation of the U.S.- China confrontation? Please also tell us how Japan assesses China’s rare earth export controls, which the U.S. has taken issue with.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: We are aware of the current developments between the U.S. and China that you pointed out.

I believe we must closely monitor these developments with great interest and need to thoroughly analyze their impact to respond appropriately.

Regarding the new measures announced by the Ministry of Commerce of China on October 9, relevant ministries and agencies are currently scrutinizing their content and impact.

Furthermore, Japan has consistently made requests to China at all levels, including to Foreign Minister Wang Yi from me, to ensure that export controls do not further affect supply chains around the world, including Japan.

Therefore, we are deeply concerned that the measures announced this time may further expand the impact. We will continue to work with relevant countries and take necessary measures.

Kyodo News, AYUKAWA: In relation to your response, I would like to ask a follow-up question Am I correct in understanding that Japan has already conveyed the concerns you mentioned to the Chinese side?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: In particular, when we held an economic-level meeting between Japan and China, relevant ministries and agencies raised this issue firmly. I also strongly made requests on this matter during the meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Chinese side responded that they would take appropriate action if Japan raised the issue with them, but its impact has not been completely addressed yet. Therefore, we have to closely monitor developments and take appropriate measures to ensure that the impact does not further expand. If necessary, I believe we must make firm requests again.

NHK, KAWAMURA: I would like to ask about the impact of domestic politics on diplomacy. Following Komeito’s decision to leave the ruling coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party, how do you view the potential impact of this on future diplomacy, including Japan-China relations?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: Regarding the impact of domestic political developments on diplomacy, including Japan-China relations that you mentioned, I would like to refrain from commenting solely on that specific issue.

Rather than the issue of Komeito’s withdrawal or other matters, relations with neighboring countries sometimes face difficult issues. However, I believe it is important to continue building future-oriented, constructive, and stable relations through holding thorough and persistent dialogue. I hope that the new administration will continue to make such efforts.

Challenging issues are mounting at home and abroad, including diplomacy. In particular, diplomacy does not allow even a moment of stagnation. Since important diplomatic schedules are already being filled rapidly, I hope that the framework of the next administration will take shape as soon as possible, so it can effectively address these diplomatic matters.

In any case, I would like the next administration to firmly pursue diplomacy that leads the increasingly divided and confrontational world toward reconciliation and cooperation by Japan playing its diplomatic role.

As for Japan-China relations, as you are aware, the two sides agreed at the Summit Meeting to comprehensively promote the “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and to build “constructive and stable relations.” I believe it is important and crucial to make diplomatic efforts to further advance this “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests.”

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: I would like to ask about the situation in North Korea. On October 10, North Korea unveiled its latest weapons, including the ICBM “Hwasong-20,” at a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. How do you analyze, assess, and view the latest weapons unveiled this time? In addition, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Former Russian President Medvedev attended the parade, demonstrating the strong ties between China, Russia, and North Korea. How do you assess these developments?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: Regarding the situation surrounding North Korea, including the military parade you mentioned, we have been making consistent efforts to collect and analyze information with serious concern, but I would like to refrain from commenting on each individual matter.

That being said, North Korea’s nuclear and missile development threatens the peace and security of Japan and the international community, and it is absolutely unacceptable.

Regarding the situation surrounding North Korea, the Government of Japan will continue to collect and analyze information with serious concern about how the cooperative relationship with Russia and China affects the security environment of the region, including Japan.

Another important point is to cooperate with the international community, including the U.S. and the Republic of Korea, to urge the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. What this means is demanding the complete dismantlement of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

As for the ICBM “Hwasong-20” you mentioned, according to one estimate, it is said to have a range that covers the entire U.S. Regardless of the veracity of that, we recognize that the threat to the region and the international community is growing.

Kyodo News, AYUKAWA: I have two questions about the peace in Gaza that you mentioned at the outset. Firstly, at the summit-level meeting on peace that President Trump held in Egypt on October 13, Japan was only represented by its ambassador. Please explain why Japan’s Prime Minister or political officials were not dispatched. Secondly, I would like to ask again about the role that Japan will play as support and reconstruction efforts will begin in earnest from now on.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: From the late night of October 11 to the morning of October12 Japan time, we received last-minute notice from the governments of the U.S. and Egypt that a signing ceremony for the agreement would be held on the 13th in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, with the participation of leaders of relevant countries. Since it was a summit meeting, an invitation to participate was extended to Prime Minister ISHIBA.

Japan naturally has been committed to the situation in Gaza, and we have been closely communicating with the U.S., Egypt, Palestine, and Israel. Therefore, we seriously considered the attendance of Prime Minister ISHIBA. However, since Prime Minister ISHIBA needed to attend the closing ceremony of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan on the 13th as the head of the host country, we unfortunately had to forgo his attendance. We have clearly conveyed this to the host country. That is the letter that Prime Minister ISHIBA sent to President Trump and President El-Sisi respectively prior to the signing ceremony, as I mentioned at the outset. For that reason, Ambassador IWAI to Egypt attended the ceremony and explained Japan’s position to the relevant attendees. He also spoke with President Trump.

In any case, Japan will continue to work closely with relevant countries and international organizations, urging all parties concerned to steadily implement the comprehensive plan, and we intend to firmly make contributions that Japan can provide toward improving the humanitarian situation.