Press Conferences

Kyodo News, Kinashi: I would like to ask about Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) relations. It is about the Buddha statue that was stolen from a temple on Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture and then taken to the ROK. In the appeal court ruling for the lawsuit, in which a Korean temple claiming ownership of the statue sought delivery of the statue from the Government of the ROK, that was holding the statue as stolen goods. Daejeon High Court overturned the judgment in the first trial that ruled that the statue should be delivered to the temple in the ROK. I believe that the Government of Japan’s position is to demand the return of the statue to Japan. Please tell us your reaction to and assessment of the appeal trial judgment.

Ms. ONO Hikariko, Press Secretary: We are aware of the matter you pointed out.

Regarding this matter, I understand that, at the trial in June 2022, the chief priest of Kannon-ji Temple appeared as an auxiliary intervenor and claimed that Kannon-ji Temple is the owner of the statue. We believe that the judgment in the trial this time is in line with Kannon-ji Temple’s claim.

In any case, the Government of Japan will continue to urge the Government of the ROK for the swift return of the statue, which has not yet been returned to Japan. We will also appropriately respond while maintaining close contact with the relevant parties, including Kannon-ji Temple.

NHK, Morita: Today, there was an announcement on the visit to Japan by President Marcos of the Philippines. There is a plan to hold a summit meeting during his visit. Please tell us what themes and discussions are expected?
I would like to ask another question regarding the Philippines. The Government of the Philippines has indicated its intention to extradite the suspects in the wide-area robbery cases before President Marcos’s visit to Japan. Please tell us to the extent possible about MOFA’s involvement in this matter as well as the status of negotiations.

Press Secretary Ono: President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. of the Philippines and his spouse are scheduled to pay an Official Visit to Japan from February 8 to 12.

During their stay in Japan, Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress of Japan plan to give audience to the President and the First Lady. Prime Minister Kishida also plans to hold a meeting with President Marcos and host a working dinner.

Japan and the Philippines are neighboring maritime nations with historical ties and strategic partners sharing fundamental values.

The Government of Japan wishes that the visit, announced today, by President Marcos and the First Lady will further deepen our bilateral cooperation.

As for the content of the Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting, since itis currently being coordinated, I would like to refrain from answering based on speculation at this point.

Japan will work closely with President Marcos toward realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) and further strengthen bilateral relations with the Philippines, under a Strategic Partnership sharing fundamental values.

As for the second part of your question regarding the extradition of the suspects in the robbery cases, we are aware that talks are being held between the law enforcement authorities of Japan and the Philippines. Therefore, I would like to you to contact the law enforcement authorities for further details. MOFA has of course been conducting necessary cooperation, including with the local embassy.

Asahi Shimbun, Nagasaki: I have a slightly related question. Secretary of Defense Austin of the United States is visiting the ROK and the Philippines. It is believed that he will confirm the strengthening of U.S.-ROK relations and the United States’ trade cooperation with the Philippines. What do you think is the significance of these visits for realizing FOIP, which you just mentioned?

Press Secretary Ono: As I mentioned earlier, Japan and the Philippines have a Strategic Partnership and share fundamental values. Japan and the Philippines are also both allies of the United States. In addition, as you pointed out, Japan and the Philippines have been strengthening their bilateral cooperation in extensive fields, including security and defense, toward realizing FOIP. Moreover, we have been promoting multilateral cooperation that includes Japan, the United States, and the Philippines. In light of this, we believe that enhanced cooperation between the United States and the Philippines will contribute to maintaining and strengthening peace and stability in the region.