Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Yesterday, we established the Taskforce on WPS under myself to provide coordination across the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Yesterday’s launch meeting was attended by a total of 50 MOFA personnel. I understand that the taskforce is attracting the interest of many young officials in the ministry. I intend to strongly promote WPS with the organization as a whole by having them actively share new ideas.

The taskforce will immediately consider specific actions. First, ahead of the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Reconstruction to be held in Japan in February, the taskforce will conduct hearings with outside experts and incorporate best practices from overseas. Secondly, the taskforce will strengthen MOFA’s coordination with relevant ministries and agencies in order to combine Japan’s own initiatives in disaster risk reduction and other areas.

I am determined to advance WPS at various phases from policies to sites as a forward-looking agenda that contributes to peace and stability in the international community.

That is all from me.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I have a question about the suspension of funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The Government of Japan announced that it will temporarily suspend funding to UNRWA in response to emerging allegations that UNRWA staff members were involved in the surprise attack on Israel launched by the Hamas Islamic group last October. Japan is urging UNRWA to conduct a prompt and complete investigation and to take appropriate measures, including strengthening governance. Specifically what actions must UNRWA take for Japan to consider the resumption of funding? Please explain again your thoughts about the importance of UNRWA’s role in the current Gaza Strip where the humanitarian situation is deteriorating.

Minister Kamikawa: The first question was about the resumption of funding UNRWA.

Japan is extremely concerned about the recent allegations about UNRWA staff members. The United Nations (UN) is going to conduct an investigation into the matter and consider measures to address the allegations. As such Japan has suspended providing additional funds to UNRWA for the time being. At the same time, we have been strongly urging UNRWA to take appropriate measures, including strengthening governance within UNRWA.

The investigation has just begun, and I will not speculate about our future responses. Japan will consider our responses while keeping in close communication with the UN, UNRWA, and the countries concerned.

The second question was about the importance of UNRWA’s role.

UNRWA has been playing a crucial role in providing essential services such as insurance, health and medical care, education, and welfare assistance to millions of Palestine refugees. I visited the headquarters of UNRWA last November. The visit reminded me that, in the Gaza Strip, where the humanitarian situation is deteriorating further, UNRWA plays a vital role in delivering essential humanitarian assistance to each and every resident.

On the one hand, UNRWA’s fulfillment of its intended role rests on having reliable governance. Japan is strongly urging UNRWA to take appropriate measures, so that UNRWA can firmly fulfill the role it should play.

At the same time, Japan will continue to make persistent and active diplomatic efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and to calm down the situation as soon as possible by providing support to other international organizations.

NHK, Igarashi: I have a question concerning the situation in the Middle East. Secretary of State Blinken of the U.S. stated during a press conference on January 29 that the negotiations to release hostages held by the Hamas Islamic group and to pause the fighting have been productive, indicating hope for progress in the negotiations. Meanwhile, some have noted that gaps remain between the claims made by Israel and Hamas, and it is uncertain whether the negotiations will reach an agreement. The prolongation of the situation is another concern. Please tell us your view and how Japan will be dealing with the situation.

Minister Kamikawa: The many people who have been taken hostage in the terror attacks by Hamas and others have not been released even now, and this is inflicting great pain to the detainees and their families. Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, there have been numerous deaths and injuries including children, women, and elderly people. Japan has serious concerns about this critical humanitarian situation.

Under these circumstances, the countries concerned have been discussing the release of the hostages and the pause of fighting. Japan will also continue to make persistent and active diplomatic efforts toward the immediate release of the hostages, improving the humanitarian situation, and calming down the situation as soon as possible, while continuing to closely cooperate with the relevant countries.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: I would like to ask about the Buddhist statue that was stolen from Kannonji Temple in Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture, by a Korean group of thieves. On October 26 of last year, the Supreme Court of Korea recognized that Kannonji Temple owns the statue. However, three months later, it has yet to be returned. My question is the following. What has the Government of Japan done in the meantime to urge the Republic of Korea (ROK) Government to realize the return? Please share with us what explanation the ROK Government provided, and what the prospects for the return are. Thank you very much.

Minister Kamikawa: Regarding the Buddhist statue, considering the judgment was confirmed in the ROK last October, we have been urging the ROK Government to ensure that the Buddhist statue is returned to its owner, Kannonji Temple, as quickly as possible.

The Government of Japan will continue to urge the ROK Government to return at the earliest time and take appropriate responses while keeping in communication with the parties concerned, including Kannonji Temple.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I would like to ask about Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The construction of foreign pavilions that is delayed from the initial schedule is pointed out. What efforts will MOFA be making to make progress with the construction, such as reaching out to each country? At the same time, some have called for postponing the Expo to give priority to the restoration and reconstruction from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Please share your views.

Minister Kamikawa: First, there was a question on MOFA’s efforts.

Regarding the construction of each country’s pavilion, we have been communicating with the countries as necessary through our diplomatic missions in close coordination with the Expo secretariat and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Furthermore, I have been actively reaching out to high-level officials of each country on the occasion of my meetings and other opportunities.

Regarding the opinion that priority should be given to the restoration and reconstruction from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, it is important for all possible measures to be taken to enable seamless efforts in response to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, from rebuilding the lives and livelihoods of the affected people to the restoration and reconstruction of the affected areas.

Bearing such view in mind, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan offers an outstanding opportunity to introduce Japan’s attractions to the world. It is a very significant opportunity that will give impetus to the growth and vitalization of Japan. We will continue to move ahead with this same approach.

Already 160 countries and regions have announced their participation in the Expo. We have received grateful words of encouragement from these countries, which said they hope to work together with Japan to hold a successful Expo precisely because of times like these.

Everyone involved will continue to work as one in the lead-up to the Expo’s opening in April of next year.

Dong-a Ilbo, Lee: I would like to ask about the removal of a monument in memory of Korean workers in Gunma Prefecture. Last week, the ROK Government responded that it hopes for a solution that does not interfere with the friendship between the two countries. Yesterday, the Chief Cabinet Secretary responded that reporters should inquire with Gunma Prefecture. While I will ask the local government about the removal, I believe its impact on Japan-ROK relations and Japan’s approaches falls under the responsibility of the Government of Japan. What is the Government’s opinion regarding the removal? Please also tell us how Japan will be communicating with the ROK.

Minister Kamikawa: This is a matter decided by a local government, and I understand that the Supreme Court’s judgment on this case was confirmed. The Government would like to refrain from making comments.

Freelance, Shiba: In the case filed by Mr. YASUDA Jumpei, a journalist, the Tokyo District Court determined that it was an abuse and deviation of discretionary powers for MOFA not to issue a passport and prevent Mr. Yasuda from traveling to all countries other than Türkiye on the grounds that Türkiye has banned him from entering the country.

In addition, the UN Human Rights Committee’s General Comment No. 34 states that the freedom of movement of journalists within and outside their countries should not be restricted.

What is your opinion on whether MOFA should stop denying the issuance of passports to Japanese reporters under Article 13, Paragraph 1, Item 1 of the Passport Act and whether MOFA should permit the issuance of a new passport to Mr. Yasuda?

Minister Kamikawa: Generally speaking, the Passport Act stipulates that not issuing an ordinary passport is permissible if certain requirements are met. Accordingly, whether to refuse the issuance of a passport is determined separately for each application based on the provisions of the Passport Act.

There was also a question about the trial. We view that a part of the Government’s argument was not accepted. We will carefully examine and review the details of the judgment, and in consultation with relevant ministries and agencies, decide on the Government’s response, including whether to appeal.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: My question is about the remarks made by LDP Vice-President Aso, which are drawing criticism both domestically and internationally. During a speech in Fukuoka Prefecture on January 28, Mr. Aso made seemingly discriminatory remarks against women by commenting on your appearance and age in the context of praising your diplomatic skills. Experts and others have noted that only women are judged on their looks and that men still hold the grip on power. In your press conference soon after assuming the position of Foreign Minister, you referred to the Gender Gap Index (GGI) and mentioned that women’s participation in Japan significantly ags behind that of other countries, especially in politics. Mr. Aso’s recent remarks are an exact case in point. What are your thoughts on the remarks?

Minister Kamikawa: Ever since I was elected for the first time in 2000, I have sought to fulfill my responsibilities as a politician based on my own beliefs and convictions.

I have been appointed the first Japanese female foreign minister in some 20 years, and I have been dedicating myself with all my strength to the future of Japan and to the young people who bearits future.

I realize that there are various views and opinions, and I am grateful for comments of any kind. I have focused on carrying out diplomacy that is understood and supported by the people, and I will continue to work hard every day.

Please accept this as my response to your question.