Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs:I have an announcement.

Today, I would like to touch upon Japan’s strengthening of relationships with Pacific Island countries, one of the priorities of Japanese diplomacy this year.

The Pacific Island countries are increasing in geopolitical importance. It is a key region both for the security of Japan and for realizing the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” Notably, this year is a turning point year when the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) will be held, and it is important for Japan to seize this opportunity to further develop its relationships with Pacific Island countries.

Against this backdrop, today, on January 19, I will be holding a meeting with State Minister Aitaro of the Republic of Palau who is visiting Japan. Japan and Palau have pursued public-private sector initiatives vigorously and have cooperated in the international arena for many years. Especially since this year is the 30th year of Japan-Palau diplomatic relationship, we will be further promoting our friendly bilateral relationship. At today’s meeting, I look forward to having an extensive discussion with State Minister Aitaro, a close friend of Japan.

I myself intend to make efforts to strengthen relationships with Pacific Island countries in various forms, including visiting the countries at an appropriate time, in preparation for summit diplomacy at PALM 10.

That is all from me.

Sankei Shimbun, Okada:I would like to ask about the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Reconstruction being held in Tokyo on February 19. The conference is now one month away. Japan intends to call for private-sector investments and set out public-private initiatives. Could you update us on the current preparations for the conference? Please also share your views on what kind of conference you hope to hold and its significance based on your visit to Ukraine.

Minister Kamikawa:Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act, which shakes the very foundation of the international order. Japan has considered that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are inseparable, and we should reject such unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force. With that recognition, Japan has made vigorous efforts on this issue in coordination with the international community, including the G7.

When I visited Ukraine on January 7, I directly conveyed to President Zelenskyy and others that Japan will continue to provide strong support for Ukraine. In addition to my discussions with Ukrainian government officials, I visited Bucha, and I heard directly from women and children about their experiences. Through these initiatives, I have reinforced my recognition of the importance of the medium and long-term recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine and of efforts that take into account Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

Next month will mark two years since Russia’s aggression began. The holding of the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Reconstruction at such a time is critical, both from the perspective of what I just mentioned, and from the perspective of Japan taking the initiative in the international community in showing solidarity with Ukraine.

We hope that the conference will gain the private sector’s cooperation and give impetus to powerfully driving forward public-private efforts for recovery and reconstruction. At the same time, we hope that the conference will raise international momentum for the support for Ukraine. To this end, we intend to invite Poland and other relevant countries, international organizations, as well as relevant Japanese and Ukrainian companies.

During my visit to Ukraine, I discussed the conference in detail with Prime Minister Shmyhal who plans to attend in person. I conveyed to Prime Minister Shmyhal that I will work to ensure the signing of more than ten memorandums of cooperation involving the private sector. Going forward, I will continue to undertake preparations for a successful conference.

Kyodo News, Hidema: I would like to ask about the U.S. presidential election. A Republican caucus was held in Iowa on January 15, putting the selection of candidates into full swing. Needless to say, this election has significant implications not only in the U.S. but also on the situations around the world including Japan. Please tell us again what you will be watching closely during the election campaign through November.

Minister Kamikawa:I would like to refrain from commenting on matters related to elections within the U.S. The Japan-U.S. alliance is the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign and security policy. Japan is following the situation with interest.

That being said, the bond between Japan and the U.S. deepened further over the last year during Japan’s G7 Presidency. The partnership between the two countries is now stronger and deeper than at any time.

In this regard, too, the importance of the Japan-U.S. Alliance is recognized across party lines even in the U.S., and the Government of Japan will strive to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. relationship.

Kyodo News, Hidema:I have another question. The U.S. Biden administration redesignated the Houthis, a pro-Iran group in Yemen, as a terrorist group on January 17. When the Biden administration delisted the Houthis as a terrorist group in 2021, some thought it would help bring peace to Yemen. First of all, what are your views and thoughts on this redesignation?

Secondly, Japan expressed its support for the strikes against Houthi controlled areas by the U.S. and U.K. forces. The Houthis have been intensifying their resistance to these strikes, raising concerns about a chain of retaliation. As Japan has been warning, there are concerns that the situation surrounding Gaza may spill over into the broader Middle East region and that the hostilities may spread. Nonetheless, please tell us whether you support the strikes against the Houthis, including those by the U.S.

Minister Kamikawa:Regarding your first question, we are aware that the U.S. Department of State announced the designation of the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group on January 17.

Japan cannot tolerate any actions that impede the free and safe navigation of vessels, and we firmly condemn the Houthis’ continued attacks on vessels.

Under United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2140, countries have taken measures against individuals and entities associated with the Houthis as designated by the UNSC Sanctions Committee. Japan has already taken measures, including assets freeze under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.

We will continue to consider the need for further measures based on a comprehensive assessment of the situation, without excluding any possibilities.

With regard to your second question, on the situation in the Gaza Strip, ever since the initial outbreak of the military conflict, Japan has consistently been making persistent and active diplomatic efforts to calm down the situation as soon as possible and prevent the hostilities from spreading across the region. We are deeply concerned about the current situation.

As I mentioned earlier, Japan firmly condemns the Houthis’ continued attacks on vessels, including the “seizure” of a Japan-related vessel.

On the recent joint strikes against the Houthis by the U.S. and the UK, we understand that this action was a measure aimed at preventing the further deterioration of the situation.

Japan will fulfill its responsibility to secure the rights and freedoms of navigation and take necessary measures, while continuing to closely cooperate with relevant countries including the U.S.

NHK, Igarashi:My question concerns North Korea. North Korea announced today that it conducted an important test in the Sea of Japan of an underwater nuclear weapons system under development. It stated that the test was a countermeasure against the Japan-U.S.-ROK trilateral exercise that was carried out with the participation of a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Please tell us the view of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its future response.

Minister Kamikawa:We are aware that, similar to this time, North Korea reportedly conducted tests of a weapon named “Haeil” in March and April of last year.

We constantly strive to gather and analyze information with serious concern regarding North Korea’s moves, including its military developments. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on its every move.

The development of nuclear weapons and missiles by North Korea threatens the peace and security of Japan and the international community, and is absolutely unacceptable.

Japan will continue to make all efforts to conduct necessary information gathering and analysis and to implement vigilance and surveillance activities. In addition, Japan will work with the international community, including the U.S. and the Republic of Korea (ROK), in advancing the full implementation of relevant UNSC resolutions and calling for the complete dismantlement of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Pan Orient News, Azhari:Japan has provided emergency assistance to the Palestinians in Gaza. What is the status of this assistance from Japan? And if it’s not delivered, do you know about that? And do you know who is responsible for that not delivery?

Minister Kamikawa:Hostilities in the Gaza Strip are continuing more than 100 days after October 7, and winter is in full swing, making the situation even more severe for the people. Japan is deeply concerned about the situation.

In response to the critical humanitarian situations, Japan has provided humanitarian assistance of approximately USD 75 million in total to Palestine. As part of the assistance through international organizations, food and drinking water have already been delivered to the areas and distributed to the people. Furthermore, arrangements are being made for the delivery of food as early as possible by Japanese NGOs through the Japan Platform.

Moreover, we are aware that supplies, including tents and medical consumables, have already arrived in the Gaza Strip through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and are being utilized for the local people and hospitals. Additionally, we have dispatched an assessment team comprised mainly of physicians to Egypt.

Japan will continuously consider and implement assistance with a sense of urgency in line with the needs on the ground.

Anadolu Agency, Furkan: I would like to ask about the ongoing Middle East crisis. The international community is taking a resolute stance on Israel’s legal accountability for the “genocide” it has carried out in Palestinian territories over the past three and a half months. Judicial proceedings are underway regarding legal accountability for Israel’s attacks in Palestinian territories since October of last year. Could you explain the Government of Japan’s latest position on the judicial proceedings instituted against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as well as the Government’s expectations?

Minister Kamikawa:The ICJ is currently examining the Israeli actions you noted under the Genocide Convention. Japan would like to refrain from making comments, including on the deliberations.

We will seek to gather relevant information and closely follow the judicial proceedings.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto:Regarding the situation in Ukraine, a Russian media outlet reported last week that the U.S. resumed Russian crude oil imports and paid prices exceeding the price cap. This is a complete violation of the sanctions against Russia. The U.S. also purchases uranium from Russia. With Ukraine’s defeat almost certain, both the U.S. and Europe are refraining from providing military support, and it almost seems that they have no intention of adhering to the sanctions against Russia. Also given the tense Middle East situation, should Japan not lift its sanctions against Russia and start importing energy resources from it as quickly as possible? I would like you to share your views.

Minister Kamikawa:Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force and an outrageous act, which shakes the very foundation of the international order not only in Europe but also in Asia. We consider that it is necessary to demonstrate that such acts come at a high cost.

Japan has worked closely with the international community, including the G7, in swiftly implementing severe sanctions against Russia.

In the energy sector, Japan is phasing out its reliance on Russian energy, including oil and coal, in accordance with the G7 Leaders’ Statement.

Japan will continue to work with the international community, including the G7, in implementing severe sanctions to end Russia’s aggression.

NHK, Igarashi:My question is related to the cases surrounding the political fundraising parties held by factions of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP). Today, the Special Investigation Department of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office filed a summary indictment against a former chief treasurer of the Kishida faction for falsifying records in violation of the Political Funds Control Act. What are your thoughts as a minister from the Kishida faction? Furthermore, Prime Minister Kishida revealed last night that he is considering dissolving the Kishida faction which he himself had headed. Please share with us your thoughts on this as well.

Minister Kamikawa: I, in my capacity as Foreign Minister, will refrain from commenting on the situation surrounding Kochikai. Nonetheless, I take with great seriousness the need to restore the trust of the people.

I am aware that various considerations and discussions are currently taking place in the LDP, and I also believe that it is necessary to commit to working hard to restore the trust of the people.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I have a follow-up question. Today, all the ministers are being pressed with questions at their post-cabinet meeting press conferences, and I would appreciate it if you could answer my question. You just stated that it was necessary to make efforts to restore the public’s trust. Do you consider that Prime Minister Kishida’s announcement on the dissolution of his faction will directly contribute to restoring the public’s trust? Additionally, please tell us what efforts you as minister think are necessary for restoring the trust of the people.

Minister Kamikawa:The question of how to restore trust demands a multi-angle discussion. It is not an issue that can be completely solved by any single method. A lot of elements are involved. In this sense, as I mentioned earlier, I believe that the efforts to restore public trust need to be considered from a range of angles and implemented by providing adequate explanations.

As I stated earlier, I will refrain from commenting in my capacity as Foreign Minister. In carrying out my current various diplomatic activities, I have felt that the success of diplomacy is highly tested at all times by whether or not it is built on trust in Japan. Therefore, it is important to consistently engage in diplomatic efforts with sincerity and in good faith and carry out through with what you say. It is important to continue this approach.

In this regard, I have sensed firsthand that diplomacy based on trust will fulfill a critical role in the long term. Accordingly, I will be applying the exact same approach for both domestic and foreign affairs.