Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I have one announcement regarding the 60th anniversary of the normalization of the Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) relations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a press release yesterday, December 18, on the marking of 60 years since the Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the ROK entered into force.

Over the past 60 years, Japan and the ROK have accumulated a range of exchanges and cooperation. In particular, exchanges between our peoples underpin the present amicable relations between the two countries, and among younger generations these exchanges are becoming more common in a natural way. We hope that the network of exchanges fostered through the 60th anniversary will continue to expand significantly in the coming year and beyond.

Amid the current severe strategic environment, it is critically important for Japan and the ROK to work together in addressing the various challenges facing the region and the international community. In order to develop the Japan-ROK relations in a future-oriented and stable manner, we will continue close communication between the two governments at all levels, including through the promotion of the two leaders’ “shuttle diplomacy.”

That concludes my opening remarks.

Kyodo News, SAKAGUCHI: An official in charge of national security at the Prime Minister’s Office told reporters that he believes Japan should possess nuclear weapons. First, could you please share your candid thoughts on this remark? Second, I believe MOFA has been advancing efforts to achieve a world without nuclear weapons, including actively engaging in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The revelation of such a remark could potentially undermine trust in Japan, which has been committed to the international nuclear disarmament efforts. Nihon Hidankyo (Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations) has issued a statement to protest the remark. What is your view on these concerns?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I am aware of the reports. That being said, the Government adheres to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as a set of policy guidelines.

Leading international efforts to realize a world without nuclear weapons is Japan’s mission as the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings during war, and I believe Japan has earned unwavering trust from the international community in this role. Japan will continue to advance efforts to achieve a world without nuclear weapons in close coordination with the international community.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: My question is regarding West ASIA. The situation there remains a war zone caused by the ongoing occupation by Israel, continuous military attacks against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and also attacks on Syria and Lebanon by heavy bombing. How would Japan respond to the ongoing escalation by Israel that threatens the stability of a region crucial to your security, particularly your energy security? Would there be any reconsideration of Japan’s stance regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: First, Japan relies significantly on the Middle East, including for imports of oil and other natural resources, and we are closely following the situations in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon with great interest.

Japan has directly conveyed to Israel on various occasions to refrain from actions that could undermine regional stability. We will continue these diplomatic efforts in collaboration with the relevant countries.

Regarding sanctions against Israel, in July last year, in response to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, Japan introduced asset freeze measures for Israeli settlers. These measures remain in place.

Regarding Japan’s position on the issue of recognizing Palestinian statehood going forward, we intend to make a comprehensive judgment when it is most effective and practical to do so for realizing a two-state solution.

Independent Web Journal, HAMAMOTO: On December 10, the U.S. Government announced a regulation proposal that would require foreign travelers visiting the U.S. for tourism without a visa, as well as applicants for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), to provide their social media usage information from the past five years, their email addresses from the last ten years, family information, place of birth, biometric data, among others. The regulation covers dozens of countries, including Japan and European countries. Article 19 of the Constitution of Japan stipulates “freedom of thought and conscience” and prohibits the state from compelling thought or imposing disadvantages based on thought. The concept of “freedom of thought and conscience” guarantees freedom of the human mind, and is a premise of democracy that underpins personal dignity. Might this proposed regulation usher in a future where the U.S. collects big data and controls people, as depicted by Orwell in his novel 1984? What is your view on the collection and examination by the U.S. Government of personal information, which would be protected in Japan under the right to confidentiality of communications and would be subject to the Act on the Protection of Personal Information, when entering the U.S.? Isn’t it possible for the Government of Japan to lodge a protest with the U.S. through diplomatic channels to protect the fundamental human rights of Japanese people and maintain the relationship of trust with the U.S.?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I am not quite sure about the intent of the question. I understand that the guarantee of “freedom of thought and conscience” in the Constitution of Japan applies to Japan. Are you asking whether the Constitution of Japan should also be upheld in the U.S.?

Independent Web Journal, HAMAMOTO: Information that is respected and protected under not only the Constitution of Japan but also international human rights treaties will be collected and examined to enter the U.S. I think this is a problem, and I would like to ask for your thoughts on this.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I understand your line of thought. However, as systems vary by country, I would like to refrain from commenting on them individually.

It is a fact that many Japanese nationals travel to the U.S. The Government of Japan will be closely monitoring developments in the procedures necessary for traveling and staying in the U.S., including the recently announced proposed changes to ESTA applications, with great interest. We are urging the U.S. Government to provide further information to minimize the impact on Japanese travelers.

Kyodo News, SAKAGUCHI: I would like to ask a follow-up question about the Japan-ROK relations you mentioned in your opening remarks. This month marks ten years since the Governments of Japan and the ROK reached an agreement in 2015 with a view to finally resolving the issue of comfort women. This agreement was practically nullified under the Moon Jae-in administration. Can you once again tell us the Government of Japan’s position on this agreement and the response it seeks from the ROK side? In the region surrounding Japan and the ROK, countries such as China, North Korea, and Russia are deepening their collaboration, making Japan-ROK cooperation ever more important. Furthermore, as you mentioned at the outset, this year also marks 60 years since the Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the ROK entered into force. Can you also explain how Japan intends to strengthen its relations with the ROK?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The Japan-ROK agreement on the issue of comfort women you referred to is an agreement reached at the Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in December 2015, ten years ago, in which, as a result of efforts made by the Governments of both Japan and the ROK, the two sides confirmed that the issue of comfort women was “resolved finally and irreversibly.”

The Government of the ROK is expected to respect this agreement as an official agreement between our two Governments, and I intend to continue to respond appropriately through close communication between both governments.

That being said, the two countries have reaffirmed their intention to develop the Japan-ROK relations in a future-oriented and stable manner, based on the foundation of the Japan-ROK relations which has been established since the normalization of the relations, on various occasions, including at the Japan-ROK Summit meeting held in October.

Japan and the ROK are important neighbors that should cooperate as partners in addressing a range of global challenges. We believe that the importance of the Japan-ROK relations is growing further amid the increasingly severe strategic environment surrounding Japan and across East Asia. The Government intends to continue to work closely with the Government of the ROK, including through active promotion of shuttle diplomacy.