Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I have one announcement on overseas voting.

The House of Representatives has just been dissolved. For the 51st General Election of the House of Representatives, overseas voting at Japan’s Embassies, Consulates-General and others around the world will begin on Wednesday, January 28, the day after the official announcement of the election.

For details such as the voting period, overseas Japanese residents are encouraged to consult the information provided by their local diplomatic missions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will actively promote overseas voting in order to encourage overseas Japanese residents to participate appropriately in the upcoming General Election.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: What is the Japan’s position on the recent elections conducted in Myanmar, that are reportedly conducted in a transparent way with may international observers attending? Additionally, are the sanctions still being implemented on Myanmar as a solution to achieve diplomatic goals? Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: It is deplorable that the Myanmar military has yet to make sufficient efforts toward political progress, such as the release of detainees and sincere dialogue among the parties concerned, as repeatedly called for by the international community, including Japan.

We understand that voting and vote counting are scheduled to continue through the end of January. We are seriously concerned that the holding of the general elections in this manner will further deepen divisions among the people of Myanmar and make a peaceful resolution of the situation more difficult.

In answer to your question on sanctions, Japan does not impose sanctions on Myanmar.

Mainichi Shimbun, TADOKORO: I would like to ask about your opening remarks on overseas voting. Overseas voting has been conducted approximately 19 times. However, voter turnout remains relatively low, partly due to the limitations of the overseas voting system. Given that the upcoming election will have the shortest campaign period since the end of World War II, there are concerns that voter turnout may again be low. Are there any plans to address this matter, such as securing an adequate voting period?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: It is true that, compared with domestic voting, voter turnout overseas does tend to be low, as has been the case in past elections.

In the upcoming election, the period leading up to the voting will be short, not only for overseas voters but also for those in Japan. Under these circumstances, as I mentioned earlier, each diplomatic mission will engage in efforts to raise awareness about the election and inform voters of the voting period and other details to encourage as many overseas Japanese residents as possible to go to the polling stations.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: What is Japan’s position on the latest clashes in Yemen and Sudan? And there was some recent news also. Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: You mentioned Yemen and Sudan. Regarding Yemen, we are concerned about the continued instability following the deterioration of the situation in eastern and southern Yemen since last December.

The Government of Japan has consistently supported a political solution through dialogue among the Yemeni people. Japan, in cooperation with the United Nations and the countries concerned, will continue to work toward the realization of peace and stability in Yemen.

Likewise, we are deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Sudan, with no sign of improvement in the circumstances.

Japan, together with the countries concerned, including the G7, has been urging the parties concerned in Sudan to respect human rights, de-escalate tensions, commit to an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and improve access to humanitarian assistance.

Japan is committed to continuing such efforts to improve the situation in Sudan.

NHK, YAMAMOTO: The House of Representatives has been dissolved, effectively marking the start of the election campaign. I understand that you will be traveling around the country. Could you tell us specifically what you intend to focus on and emphasize the most in your campaign as Minister? With a new party having been established yesterday, I expect there will often be comparison with the largest political force. What points do you intend to highlight and communicate to voters?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: While the election campaign will begin next Tuesday, my official duties as Foreign Minister will continue. I will give full priority to my official duties and ensure that I am reachable at all times.

At the same time, once the campaign begins, I will travel across the country to support the election campaign. Under the TAKAICHI administration, we are pursuing major policy shifts. In this context, we would like to seek a mandate from the public to move forward in addressing challenges both at home and abroad.

A stable administration is not a goal but a means. Our goals include bold reforms, measures to address rising prices, and increased investments. Through such measures, for example, we aim to establish a system that enables us to increase tax revenues without raising tax rates, thereby advancing various policies. We will steadily pursue such responsible and proactive public finances. Furthermore, amid an extremely severe security environment across the world and around Japan, a stable political situation is vital for pursuing robust diplomatic and security initiatives. These are the points I intend to emphasize. That said, as this is, a press conference in my capacity as Foreign Minister, I will advocate specific policies on the campaign trail and in other appropriate settings.