Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Today, I came here to Fukushima Prefecture and first visited the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) of Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO). On the premises of the FDNPS, I received an explanation about the decommissioning efforts and observed the facility for discharging ALPS treated water and other facilities. Since assuming the position of Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have engaged closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in various contexts, including international conferences and bilateral meetings, to explain and share information with other countries about the safety of discharging ALPS treated water into the sea based on scientific evidence. It was highly meaningful to visit the site and confirm the safety. Furthermore, it renewed my resolve to steadily advance the decommissioning process and contribute to the reconstruction effort.

A total of three batches of discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea have been carried out safely since August of this year. In addition, in October of this year, the IAEA conducted its first post-discharge review mission and confirmed that the discharge is progressing smoothly as planned.

The discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea is a process that will continue for several decades, and we have just taken the first step. To ensure that this long process moves forward step by step, it is important to consistently obtain the understanding and support of the international community, while providing information in a highly transparent manner based on scientific evidence and with the involvement of the IAEA. Personally, I intend to apply the insights gained from today’s visit to future diplomatic occasions.

Furthermore, at the Iwaki Lalamew complex, I tasted local seafood with the Mayor of Iwaki City. I tasted fresh sashimi of today’s catch, as well as other foods, such as deep-fried Bigeyed greeneye and grilled Pacific saury patties. The local seafood was all amazingly delicious.

I then visited Onahama Fish Market and exchanged views with members of the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations. I would like to express my sincere respect to the local people who are working hard to advance the reconstruction of Fukushima even in the face of various challenges.

On April 17, 2011, during my visit to Iwaki City in the immediate aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, I was at the opening ceremony for the Minamifutaba Reconstruction Center, and was deeply moved by the strong determination of the local people to rebuild their hometown with their own hands. Ten years later, my post has changed to Foreign Minister, but my own commitment to contribute to the reconstruction of Fukushima remains unchanged. I will work steadfastly alongside the people of Fukushima to further advance the reconstruction efforts.

Reporter: Could you please share your thoughts again on observing the situation of the discharge ALPS treated water at FDNPS today? In addition, China and Russia continue to ban imports of aquatic products originating in Japan due to the discharge of treated water. A UK newspaper reported about tons of sardines and other fish washing ashore along the coast of Hokkaido and connected it with the discharge of treated water. What specific measures are you intending to take to address this situation?

Minister Kamikawa: The first question was about my thoughts on my visit to FDNPS today.

As I stated at the outset, it was highly meaningful that I was able to visit the site and confirm the safety of Japan’s initiative with my own eyes. It renewed my resolve to steadily advance the decommissioning process and contribute to the reconstruction effort. I will apply the insights gained from today’s visit to make a strong appeal for Japan’s efforts to the international community, and with the involvement of the IAEA, expand understanding and support for our efforts.

There was also a question on the import restrictions by some countries and the report on the washing ashore of sardines.

The Government has been disseminating information in a highly transparent manner, both domestically and internationally through various opportunities. We sense that more countries have been responding calmly based on scientific evidence. We will address the import restriction measures imposed by some countries by continuing to urge them to take actions based on scientific evidence and immediately lift the measures.

With regard to the washing ashore of sardines in Hokkaido, I am aware that the Fisheries Agency already explained that it is not unusual for sardines to wash ashore, and that there are no grounds to consider the cause to be the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea.

Ever since the ALPS treated water was first discharged into the sea, the Fisheries Agency has been monitoring aquatic products and the Ministry of the Environment has been monitoring seawater. They have not found any extraordinary numbers, scientifically confirming that the discharge has been carried out safely.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) also explained this at the beginning of last week’s press conference by the Foreign Press Secretary. On the safety of discharging ALPS treated water into the sea, we will continue efforts to provide thorough explanations based on scientific evidence in a highly transparent manner to further deepen the understanding and support of the international community.

Reporter: Could you tell us what specific requests you received during your discussion with TEPCO and the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations? With regard to responding to China’s criticism against the discharge of treated water, please also tell us what negotiations Japan is making related to commencement of Japan-China expert-level consultations which the leaders agreed upon. What is the desired framework for these consultations? Please explain again how MOFA will call on China to lift the import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products.

Minister Kamikawa: First, there was a question on my discussions with TEPCO and the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations.

I will refrain from providing details of the comments made by each of them, but members of TEPCO asked that the Government continues to provide information to other countries regarding the safety of discharging ALPS treated water into the sea. Furthermore, members of the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations asked me to keep making diplomatic efforts to deepen international understanding.

In response, I conveyed MOFA’s determination to work firmly toward further advancing the reconstruction effort with the people of Fukushima, in cooperation with the Fisheries Agency and other ministries and agencies.

Next, there was a question on our response toward China.

At the recent Japan-China Summit Meeting and Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Japan and China concurred to seek to find ways to resolve issues concerning ALPS treated water through consultations and dialogue in a constructive manner.

On this basis, science-based discussions at the expert level will be arranged and held in due course. Here, I would like to refrain from going into the details of the specific framework for the discussions.

Lastly, there was a question on our approach for lifting import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products.

The Government has been disseminating information in a highly transparent manner, both domestically and internationally through various opportunities. We view that more countries have been responding calmly based on scientific evidence.

We will address the import restriction measures imposed by some countries by continuing to urge them to take actions based on scientific evidence and immediately lift the measures.

Reporter: I believe the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is responsible for the decommissioning work itself and MOFA for disseminating information overseas. In light of this, please again tell us how MOFA intends to respond to the request made by Federation Chairman Nozaki during your discussion. Additionally, you tasted Fukushima Prefecture’s seafood called “Joban-mono.” Could you please comment, including about the tasting, and explain MOFA’s measures to support the fisheries industry?

Minister Kamikawa: The first question was about my exchange of views with the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations.

I will refrain from providing details of their remarks, but members of the Federation asked me to make particular efforts to take countermeasures against reputational damage.

In response, I conveyed MOFA’s determination to work firmly toward further advancing the reconstruction effort together with the people of Fukushima, in cooperation with the relevant ministries and agencies.

In addition, regarding Fukushima products, as I stated in my opening remarks, I tasted local seafood at Iwaki Lalamew.

Cuisines made with “Joban-mono” ingredients were also served during the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation that was held over the weekend. The cuisines were very appreciated, everyone enjoyed them. I myself got to taste freshly caught seafood today, and it was truly delicious. The market has come under the spotlight of not only people within Fukushima but also those outside Fukushima. I will make efforts to develop this into a larger trend.

Furthermore, the fiscal year 2023 supplementary budget that was approved during the extraordinary Diet session includes a policy package to address the ALPS treated water matter to prevent reputational damage. Using this budget, we will disseminate further information on Japan’s efforts and the attractiveness of Japanese products.

Reporter: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated in an interview that Russia no longer has territorial disputes with any country, including Japan. Russia has unilaterally announced the suspension of peace treaty negotiations, including on the Northern Territories issue, and it has once again reaffirmed its firm posture toward Japan. Please share with us your thoughts on the remark and how you will approach the negotiations with Russia.

Minister Kamikawa: I am aware of the remark you mentioned. Japan and Russia have conducted peace treaty negotiations because the territorial issue is unresolved.

In March 2022, a month after launching its aggression against Ukraine, Russia unilaterally announced that it had no intention of continuing peace treaty negotiations with Japan, citing Japan’s sanctions against Russia and other measures as the reason. However, the current situation was entirely caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s attempt to shift responsibility to Japan is quite unjust and absolutely unacceptable. Japan-Russia relations are in a difficult situation due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Regrettably, we are currently not in a situation to provide any specific information on the peace treaty negotiations. Nevertheless, the Government of Japan will firmly maintain its policy of resolving the Northern Territories issue and concluding a peace treaty.

Reporter: Today, compulsory investigations were launched into the offices of the Abe faction and the Nikai faction over the political funds issue. Ministers and senior party officials have even resigned. What are your thoughts on the impact on the administration? How will the Government endeavor to regain the trust of the people? In addition, at your last press conference following a cabinet meeting, you were asked about this issue and you stated, “At this press conference, I would like to refrain from answering your question regarding the situation of politics from the standpoint of Foreign Minister.” You have emphasized the “Government’s standpoint” in your responses at the Diet and other occasions. Please share again the Government’s thoughts regarding the responsibilities of the Government, the Liberal Democratic Party, and politics, respectively.

Minister Kamikawa: I believe that Diet sessions and press conferences are places where it is my mandate to answer from the standpoint of Foreign Minister. Therefore, I would like to refrain from answering about the situation of politics, such as your question, from both the standpoint of the Government and Foreign Minister.