Press Conferences

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

This evening, as part of the “Local to Global” Project, Governor Hanazumi of Niigata Prefecture and I will co-host a reception at the Iikura Guest House to showcase the diverse offerings of Niigata Prefecture.

At today’s reception, we will welcome the diplomatic corps in Japan and guests who have a connection to Niigata Prefecture and share with them information about the Sado complex of heritage mines, local products, tourism information, traditional crafts, traditional performing arts, colored carp (nishikigoi), and other diverse offerings of the prefecture.

Japan’s local regions are abound with rich traditions, culture, and nature, making their presence critical for enhancing broad international interest in Japan and interactions, as well as strengthening Japan’s comprehensive diplomatic capacity. Every time I visit overseas, I see that diplomacy is supported by reciprocal, wide-ranging exchanges, understanding, and empathy among the people, and that local regions play a major role through activities such as sister city relationships and corporate economic activities. I reaffirmed this view as well when I recently visited Hamburg, Germany, and met with its mayor.

I expect that today’s reception will help deepen the diplomatic corps and other participants’ understanding of the diverse offerings of Niigata Prefecture, including the Sado complex of heritage mines, and build a network between the participants and Niigata Prefecture.

Going forward, I will continue to advance diplomatic activities in the form of regional outreach.

That is all from me.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I have a question related to your opening remarks. The Republic of Korea (ROK) is also a member of the World Heritage Committee this year, when the “Sado complex of heritage mines” will be reviewed for inscription on the World Heritage List. The ROK has been opposed to the inscription, stating that civilian workers from the Korean Peninsula were forced into labor there. What is your view on this matter? Please also tell us how you will reach out to the ROK to obtain its understanding.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware of the ROK’s position on the “Sado complex of heritage mines.”

With that awareness, Japan will work to realize the inscription of the “Sado complex of heritage mines” so that its outstanding value as a cultural heritage site will be recognized. To this end, we will continue to engage in thoughtful discussions with the ROK in a sincere and consistent manner.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I would like to ask about Russia-North Korea relations. During Russian President Putin’s meeting with Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui of North Korea, the President expressed his willingness to visit North Korea at an early date, and North Korea showed that it was ready to host him. Could you please share your comment? Moreover, Russia and North Korea recently seem to be strengthening their military cooperation, including arms trade, which is helping Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. Please explain again how Japan plans to respond to these developments.

Minister Kamikawa: The Government of Japan is not in a position to answer about the announcement. Japan always strives to gather and analyze information with serious concern about the situation regarding North Korea, including Russia-North Korea relations and the matters you mentioned.

That being said, Japan strongly condemns North Korea’s arms supply to Russia, as it may lead to further deterioration of the situation in Ukraine and constitutes a violation of relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, which prohibit all transfer, etc. of arms and related material to North Korea. In addition, we are closely following Russia’s possible military support to North Korea with concern.

Japan, in cooperation with the international community, including the U.S. and the ROK, will urge the full implementation of relevant UNSC resolutions and the complete dismantlement of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Japan will continue to make efforts as a member of the UNSC.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: My question is about the issue surrounding Israel and Palestine. You visited the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on January 11. Did you listen in on the public hearing that was held on the 11th regarding South Africa’s request for the application of the Genocide Convention to Israel? Does the Government of Japan have any intention of supporting South Africa’s argument and urging Israel to immediately stop the genocide? On this issue, Japan should follow its own conscience, not gauging the sentiments of the G7, especially the U.S. Are you inclined to make a decision on behalf of the conscience of the Japanese people?

Minister Kamikawa: The purpose of my visit to the ICJ on January 11 was to hold a meeting with the ICJ President. I did not attend the oral proceeding you referred to. However, I have closely followed the situation surrounding the Gaza Strip, and I intend to continue to monitor the progress of the case as well.

Regarding your question on the assessment of Israel’s actions under the Genocide Convention, the ICJ is currently conducting an examination, and the Government of Japan will refrain from making any comments.

Japan firmly condemns the terror attacks by Hamas and others. We have urged Israel for the immediate release of the hostages and for the adherence to international law, including international humanitarian law, in Israel’s exercise of the right to defend itself and its people.

We have been calling on all parties to adhere to international law, including international humanitarian law, and to act in good faith based on the relevant UNSC resolution while closely communicating with the countries and organizations concerned. At the same time, we have continued to persistently and actively make diplomatic efforts toward the immediate release of the hostages, improving the humanitarian situation, and calming down the situation as soon as possible. We will continue to take such an approach to the situation.

NHK, Igarashi: I have a question about LDP factions. In response to the cases surrounding the political fundraising parties of LDP factions, it was formally announced at a meeting of the Kishida faction earlier that the faction would be dissolved with the aim of restoring the public’s trust in politics. Could you please comment as a minister from the Kishida faction? In addition, the LDP’s political reform headquarters will be meeting again today. What is your personal view on the organization of factions?

Minister Kamikawa: I, in my capacity as Foreign Minister, will refrain from commenting on the measures taken by each policy group. Nonetheless, I take with 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. I also believe that it is necessary to commit to working hard to restore the trust of the people.