Press Conferences

Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi: The extraordinary session of the Diet will likely be convened next week. Today, I would like to begin by taking a look back at the duties I fulfilled so far as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Japan currently faces the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II. Under such circumstances, over the past year, I have fully dedicated myself, although my roll may be small, however limited my ability may be, to fulfilling what I believe is Japan’s diplomatic mission, which is to serve as a bridge between countries to guide a world heading toward “division and confrontation” to “harmony and cooperation.”

In this process, I traveled a distance equivalent to around nine times around the globe. I visited a total of 25 countries. Through more than 350 meetings and other occasions, both at home and overseas, I believe I have been able to build relationships of trust with foreign ministers of various countries and with officials from international organizations.

Building on this trust, I have strategically and vigorously promoted efforts to ensure peace and stability in Japan, the region, and the world, and to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

In particular, I have promoted “diplomacy of dialogue and harmony” with a focus on efforts for strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance, which serves as the cornerstone of our initiatives; building multilayered cooperative relations with our ally and like-minded partners; building future-oriented, stable relationships with neighboring countries; carrying out finely tuned coordination with the Global South; and strengthening global governance.

I would like to once again express my deepest gratitude to the public and the persons involved including the members of the press, for their understanding and support in advancing these initiatives. I am especially grateful to everyone in the Kasumi Club for their work over this past year.

The international situation is expected to continue to be increasingly turbulent. From this standpoint, I believe Japanese diplomacy will be truly entering its most critical phase. It is by no means an exaggeration to say that members of the press who observe and report on Japan’s diplomatic activities are key players in Japan’s diplomacy. I sincerely wish you all continued health and success. I would like to truly thank you for your cooperation throughout the past year.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: Thank you for your hard work for the past year. Secretary of the Treasury Bessent of the U.S. revealed, after meeting with Minister of Finance KATO on October 15, that he asked Japan to stop importing energy from Russia. I would like to ask if there is some leeway to comply with this request? Please also tell us about how Japan will respond going forward and what are being considered. Thank you.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: I am aware of U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent’s remark that you mentioned.

As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), we would like to refrain from commenting on what was discussed between Finance Minister KATO and Treasury Secretary Bessent. That being said, regarding energy imports from Russia, the Government believes it is necessary to continue to work closely with the international community, including the G7, while taking appropriate measures after comprehensively assessing various aspects, such as what is necessary to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as what is necessary to protect Japan’s national interests, including energy security of our country which does not have energy resources domestically.

Nikkei Shimbun, BABA: Thank you for your hard work over the last year. I would like to ask about visa relaxation measures for Chinese citizens. The relaxation of group tourist visas and the establishment of visas valid for ten years, which the Government decided on at the end of last year, have not been implemented yet. While objections were expressed within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has a timeline been set for the implementation of the measures? Please also explain the importance of people-to-people exchanges between Japan and China, including visa relaxation, and what kind of response you expect from the new administration on this matter.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: The timeline for implementing visa relaxation measures for short-term stays for Chinese tourists, which were announced last December, is being reviewed carefully while assessing various situations.

As the Government, we would like to continue to provide thorough explanations about the details and significance of these visa relaxation measures.

As you have just indicated, we view Japan-China relations as being founded not only on exchanges between our governments, but also, indeed, on exchanges between our peoples. The number of tourists from China has been steadily increasing, which I believe is good news. We will need to continue responding appropriately according to changes in the situation.

Kyodo News, AYUKAWA: Thank you for the past year. I have a related question about Japan’s policy on foreign nationals. Some reports say that the Government of Japan will raise its visa application fees to U.S. and European levels as early as next fiscal year, FY2026. It was reported that MOFA will begin soliciting public comments as early as this fiscal year. Please tell us the facts of this matter and if assessments or arrangements are under way, please tell us about the current status. When considering a fee hike, I would like to ask what kind of information you will be referencing, for example, the situation in other countries. What is your thought in this regard? Also, while the overall number of foreign visitors to Japan is increasing, there are also issues such as overtourism., I would like to ask how the Government will be addressing this situation.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: The revision of visa fees is also discussed in the “Comprehensive Measures for Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Nationals,” which was revised by the Government in June of this year. It is also stated in the “Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2025” that the revision of visa fees would be considered by taking into account factors such as fee levels in major countries. Therefore, it has already been announced that the Government would be considering a revision.

It is undecided how the fees would be revised at this stage, but the Government will examine fees to ensure that the overall system and operation are optimal by considering a variety of elements, including the impact on inbound tourism that you just mentioned.

In doing so, we must naturally take into account the situation in other countries as you mentioned. I believe Japan’s fees are currently considered to be quite inexpensive.

Regarding the issue of overtourism, we need to carefully examine what measures will be truly effective to address overtourism. At present, the relevant ministries and agencies are providing various support based on the “Package of Measures to Prevent and Curb Overtourism” compiled by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2023. We need to carefully study and consider what effects would actually be generated by revising the visa fees. I personally think it may not necessarily be an issue that directly leads to overtourism.

NHK, KAWAMURA: Thank you for your service this past year. I have a question regarding the passing of former Prime Minister MURAYAMA. Former Prime Minister MURAYAMA passed away today. He is from Oita Prefecture and has also served as a member of its prefectural assembly. Could you please share with us any memories of the times you spent with former Prime Minister MURAYAMA or any thoughts on his passing?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: I would first like to express my heartfelt condolences to former Prime Minister MURAYAMA’s family on his passing.

As he was the only former Prime Minister from Oita Prefecture, I cannot but feel that a great star has fallen. Former Prime Minister MURAYAMA was initially a member of the Socialist Party, but he was affectionately known across party lines and by the people of Oita as “Ton-chan.” He was a very warm-hearted man. Although we never belonged to the same political party, he often spoke to me as I was his junior from the same prefecture. He was truly a person full of compassion.

Prime Minister ISHIBA’s reflection on the 80th anniversary of the end of the war was issued recently. There was the MURAYAMA Statement on the 50th anniversary, the KOIZUMI Statement on the 60th, the ABE Statement on the 70th, and the ISHIBA Reflection on the 80th. Mr. MURAYAMA was the first Prime Minister to express the view that the future cannot be foreseen clearly without squarely confronting the past. He was the one to say it first. I believe that we must continue to carry on and value this spirit into the future.

I sincerely pray that he may rest in peace.

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: Both U.S. and foreign media, including Japanese news agencies, have objected to the new guidelines on reporting compiled by the U.S. Department of Defense, citing that they restrict freedom of the press. If reporting activities are excessively restricted, there is a risk that people, including the Japanese public, will not be able to access U.S. government information appropriately. How does the Government of Japan view this matter, and do you have any plan to reach out to the U.S. side going forward? Thank you.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: We are aware of the reports you referred to, but as this is basically an internal affair of another country, I would like to refrain from commenting on it directly.

That said, I believe the U.S. is a country of freedom and democracy, and certainly values freedom of the press.

In any case, we will continue to pay close attention to related developments with great interest.

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: I would like to ask a question regarding China. A Chinese maritime survey vessel has been spotted lowering what looked like a cable into Japan’s EEZ, west of Tokunoshima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. China has recently stepped up such unauthorized activities, which are believed to be maritime surveys, in Japan’s EEZ. What is the Government of Japan’s assessment of China’s intention or underlying motive to intensify such activities, and how will it urge the Government of China to stop these activities?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: Certainly, it is true that the series of activities by Chinese maritime survey vessels have become active recently.

Each time such activities are confirmed, the Japan Coast Guard issues a demand for their s suspension. In addition, through diplomatic channels in both Beijing and Tokyo, Japan lodges strong representations and protests, stating that maritime and scientific surveys conducted in our EEZ without Japan’s consent are unacceptable and must be immediately stopped.

We are not in a position to explain what intentions the Chinese side may have. We will continue to take a calm and resolute approach to these activities.

NHK, KAWAMURA: I have a question related to the prime minister nomination election. In connection with the election, the LDP and Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party) are holding policy talks with a view to the launch of a coalition government. How do you view these developments? If you have any thoughts or comments, please share them with us.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: As this is a matter being handled by the Party, I would like to refrain from commenting as Foreign Minister.

However, speaking as a member of Diet, I must say that it seems Nippon Ishin has suddenly begun talking about reducing the number of parliamentary seats. I find it a little odd as I thought that their top reform priority was prohibiting and abolishing political donations from companies and organizations.

Speaking in my capacity as Foreign Minister, as you are aware, important diplomatic schedules are rapidly approaching. Therefore, it is necessary to establish the framework and outline of the new administration as soon as possible so that it can effectively address these diplomatic issues. I hope that discussions will be quickly steered toward this direction.