Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Good morning. I have one announcement.

As I also stated last year, I attach importance to strengthening my ties with a variety of stakeholders, including ambassadors to Japan, and translating our discussions into diplomatic activities, in other words, “outreach diplomacy.” A key asset to diplomacy is the people-to-people ties. Bearing this in mind, yesterday, I received a courtesy call from the Ambassadors of the G20 Troika Countries from India, Brazil, and South Africa, as part of my proactive outreach efforts.

Last year, Japan, as the then-G7 presidency, worked closely with India, the then-G20 presidency, on the basis of the idea of linking the outcome of the G7 Hiroshima Summit to the G20 Summit. While we are no longer the G7 presidency, it is vital that the G7 and G20 continue to work together this year to guide the international community toward cooperation rather than division and confrontation. I conveyed the message that Japan will spare no effort to cooperate for the success of Brazil’s G20 presidency this year. Our intention is the same for South Africa’s G20 presidency next year.

Moreover, we exchanged views on cooperation at the G20 in areas such as global governance reform, including United Nations (UN) reform, and gender, including Women, Peace and Security (WPS). We also exchanged views on regional affairs. Going forward, while making full use of ‘outreach diplomacy’, I will continue to enhance cooperation with the G20 Troika Countries.

That is all from me.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: In the proceedings instituted by South Africa requesting Israeli forces suspend their attacks on Palestinian territories, today the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to determine whether it will indicate provisional measures that order Israel to suspend its attacks. Will the Government of Japan respect the ICJ’s decision? In addition, please share your views on what impact the decision has on the situation in the future.

Minister Kamikawa: With regard to the case you referred to, we are aware of the ICJ’s announcement that its order on the request for the indication of provisional measures will be read on January 26 at 9 p.m. Japan time.

I recently visited the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the UN, and reaffirmed the importance of the rule of law. Japan will be closely following the situation, including the ICJ’s order.

NHK, Igarashi: My question concerns the crash of a Russian military aircraft. On January 25, the UN Security Council (UNSC) held an emergency meeting following the crash of a Russian military aircraft that was flying for an exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine. In response to Russia’s claim that Ukraine downed the aircraft, Ukraine objected that it was the result of Russia not considering the safety of the prisoners and demanded an international investigation. What is the view of Japan? How will Japan be addressing this matter?

Minister Kamikawa: First of all, we are aware of the announcement from the Russian Ministry of Defence you noted. In connection with this matter, we are also aware that the need for an international investigation was mentioned by President Zelenskyy of Ukraine.

We understand that information regarding this incident is still being gathered, including by Russia. The Government of Japan will be closely following the developments related to this case, including those related to the international investigation.

In any case, at the UNSC meeting held yesterday, Japan and other Western countries urged Russia once again to suspend its aggression and withdraw from Ukraine, noting that this incident would not have occurred if Russia had not launched an aggression against Ukraine. Japan will continue to address the matter by working closely with the international community, including the G7.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I have a question about Japan-China relations. Yesterday, a Japanese business mission held a meeting with Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, and the two sides concurred to deepen cooperation in the economic field. What are your impressions of this meeting? Moreover, please share with us what support the Government of Japan will be providing for Japan’s businesses in China.

Minister Kamikawa: First of all, we are aware that, in the morning of January 25, a joint mission to China comprised of members of the Japan-China Economic Association, Keidanren, and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a meeting with Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of China, and the two sides exchanged views on deepening their economic relations, among other matters.

China is Japan’s largest trading partner, and Japan is China’s second largest trading partner. In this context, to revitalize Japan-China economic exchanges in the post-COVID-19 phase, it is important that legitimate business activities are guaranteed through ensuring a transparent, predictable, and fair business environment.

Accordingly, the two sides concur that mutually beneficial cooperation is feasible in specific areas of economy and people-to-people exchanges, and it is important to keep holding dialogues in various fields, including business.

The visit to China by the joint mission of three business associations is also meaningful from this perspective. The Government of Japan welcomes the visit and expects the revitalization of Japan-China economic exchanges.

On your question about the Government’s efforts, we will continue to emphasize to China the importance of ensuring a transparent, predictable, and fair business environment and guaranteeing the legitimate business activities of Japanese companies. In addition, including our diplomatic missions in China, we will do our utmost to support the activities of Japanese companies.

NHK, Igarashi: I have a question regarding the issuance of passports. In the trial over the issuance of a passport to Mr. YASUDA Jumpei, a freelance journalist who was taken hostage and released by an armed group in Syria, the Tokyo District Court rendered a judgment yesterday to revoke the disposition of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), stating that it was illegal for MOFA to refuse the issuance of his passport. Could you tell us about your view of the judgment and MOFA’s response?

Minister Kamikawa: A part of the Government’s argument was not accepted in the judgment. We will carefully examine and review the details of the judgment and decide on the Government’s response in consultation with relevant ministries and agencies.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I would like to ask about the Prime Minister’s official visit to the U.S., as announced by the Governments of Japan and the U.S. today. Regarding its significance, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi mentioned in his press conference earlier that the significance of the visit is that it will further deepen the close ties between Japan and the U.S. and demonstrate their robust Alliance to the world. Please also share with us what significance you attach to this visit, based on having visited the U.S. in advance to ensure a smooth official visit.

Furthermore, according to some news reports, the two sides will also be strengthening their ties in the areas of economic security, space, and cyber. Could you tell us about the agenda items for the summit meeting if you can?

Minister Kamikawa: The international society now faces a variety of challenges. Under these circumstances, the firm bond and unity between Japan and the U.S. is critical. Prime Minister Kishida’s official visit to the U.S. will be highly significant for further deepening the close ties between the two countries and demonstrating the robust Japan-U.S. Alliance to the world.

When I visited the U.S. in January, I held meetings with Secretary of State Blinken, Secretary of Commerce Raimondo, and National Security Advisor Sullivan, and held an in-depth discussion for the success of Prime Minister Kishida’s official visit to the U.S. We concurred on continuing to closely cooperate with each other, and preparingfor the success of the official visit.

At this point in time, I would like to refrain from answering about the agenda for the summit meeting based on speculation. That being said, it is anticipated that views will be exchanged on wide-ranging items, including the political situation, security, the economy, and people-to-people exchanges.

Mainichi Shimbun, Murao: The ordinary session of the Diet started today. The cabinet’s approval rating is stagnating, and the issue of politics and money has created confusion. Under these circumstances, how to overcome the Diet session is a very important question for both the Kishida Cabinet and the ruling parties. As one of the key cabinet members, please explain your role and understanding on how the Diet session can be overcome.

Minister Kamikawa: The ordinary Diet session opened today. I take with great seriousness the need to restore the trust of the people, especially over this issue of political funds.

In the field of diplomacy as well, I have sensed firsthand that diplomacy based on trust will fulfill a critical role in the long term.

Domestic affairs and diplomacy cannot be considered separately. Since my appointment as Foreign Minister, I have stated to you time and again that I will carry out diplomacy that is understood and supported by the people, and I have made efforts to this end.

In this sense, I will be applying the exact same approach for both domestic and foreign affairs, with a mindset of trust forming a vital basis for my actions.

As a point of emphasis, I have sent a clear message that Japan will advance diplomacy that maintains and strengthens the free and open international order based on the rule of law and realizes a safe and secure world where “human dignity” is protected.

With this intention, I will participate in the Diet’s discussions wholeheartedly to gain the understanding and support of the people.