Press Conferences

Ms. KOBAYASHI Maki, Press Secretary:I have two light-hearted announcements.

Firstly, as Foreign Minister Kamikawa made the announcement on December 26, 2023, on March 5, we will hold the 17th Japan International MANGA Award Ceremony at the Iikura Guest House.

We already announced the winning works, including the one Gold Award winner from Taiwan, and the three Silver Award winners from Spain, Viet Nam, and Hong Kong. We will invite the four winners, and certificates of commendation will be presented by Minister Kamikawa, Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Award.

Press Secretary Kobayashi: Secondly, we will hold the 4th Japan Alumni Conference on March 5 to 6. This is a gathering of former exchange students in Japan who have returned to their home countries and are now working in various fields. Based on their experiences living in Japan, they have a deep understanding of and interest in Japanese culture and information about Japan. They are also very important to Japan, as they cooperate in a wide range of activities by diplomatic missions abroad and raise interest in Japan, including advising those interested in studying abroad.

Alumni associations in different regions have been engaged in a variety of networking in Japan. Meanwhile, we have been holding the Japan Alumni Conference in Japan since 2021 so members can create connections across borders while sharing their work and knowledge, as well as to create opportunities to experience Japan today.

This time, representatives from 25 countries will join in person, and it will also be possible to stream the event and attend online. At the opening ceremony on March 5, Prime Minister Kishida will deliver a video message and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuge will give an opening address.

That is all from me.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Tanikawa: I would like to ask about assistance for Ukraine. At a press conference yesterday, Ambassador to Japan Korsunsky stated that the first support Ukraine expects from Japan is defense equipment, followed by economic assistance as the second, and the third is reconstruction assistance. In particular, he expressed hope for the provision of air defense equipment to intercept missiles. What are your thoughts on this matter? Please also share with us your views on whether Japan will consider further assistance in the form of defense equipment.

Press Secretary Kobayashi: As I have mentioned before, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act that shakes the very foundations of not only Europe but the international community as a whole, including Asia. Additionally, it infringes upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is an act in violation of international law including the United Nations Charter.

Ever since Russia’s aggression against Ukraine began, in coordination with the G7 and other like-minded countries Japan has expressed that we will not allow any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force, and has strongly promoted sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine in order to end Russia’s aggression and achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.

Your question mentioned the overseas transfer of defense equipment and technology. While adhering to its basic philosophy as a peace-loving nation that conforms to the United Nations Charter and the course it has taken as a peace-loving nation, Japan has been taking measures strictly and meticulously with our policy on managing transfers of defense equipment and technology. In this context, Japan has provided assistance in the form of equipment including bulletproof vests, protective suits and masks, small drones, and civilian vehicles, in order to provide the maximum support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.

Japan will continue to provide as much further support as possible to Ukraine, including assistance in the field of defense, and in cooperation with the G7 and the rest of the international community in an appropriate manner.