Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have three announcements.

The first is about the “Japan Chair for a world without nuclear weapons.”

Prime Minister Kishida announced the establishment of the “Japan Chair for a world without nuclear weapons” last September in his address at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

Upon coordinating with research institutes and think tanks in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, it was decided that Japan will contribute a total of approximately 3 billion yen to establish the “Japan Chair for a world without nuclear weapons” at three organizations in the near future: the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation; and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)-Asia.

The path toward a world without nuclear weapons is becoming more severe amid an increasingly acute international security environment.

To overcome the divisive debate among academia and government over whether we should be choosing deterrence or disarmament and to advance realistic and practical efforts, it is paramount to engage in multilayered efforts, not only government efforts.

Through the establishment of the Japan Chair, we will promote participation in and organization of conferences related to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and the dissemination of information.

Minister Kamikawa: The second announcement is about the visit of Director General Grossi of the IAEA to Japan.

From March 12 to 14, Director General Grossi of the IAEA will make a working visit to Japan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA).

This will be Director General Grossi’s first visit to Japan since visiting last July to hand over the IAEA Comprehensive Report. Approximately six months after the start of the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, this visit is mainly for the IAEA to make a visit to the site again and assess the current situation.

During his stay in Japan, Director General Grossi will visit Fukushima Prefecture and TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, and will exchange views with the local people. He will also hold meetings with senior officials, and I will also hold a meeting with him.

Japan attaches importance to the work of the IAEA, which plays a significant role in promoting nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In addition, on the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, IAEA is continuing its engagement as an independent third-party, through its review and monitoring.

We intend to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and the IAEA, in a wide range of areas, through Director General Grossi’s visit to Japan.

Minister Kamikawa: The third announcement is about Emergency Grant Aid for the Gaza Strip.

During today’s cabinet meeting, I stated that the Government of Japan will be extending Emergency Grant Aid of USD 32 million to the Gaza Strip.

Amid the prolonged fighting in the Gaza Strip since Hamas and others launched atrocious terror attacks against Israel on October 7 last year, a large number of people including children, women, and the elderly have been killed or wounded daily. The dire humanitarian situation cannot be overlooked.

Japan will implement humanitarian assistance on the ground to reach as many women and children as possible in areas such as food and health, which are deemed to be in particular need of assistance, through the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other international organizations.

Japan will continue to make persistent and proactive diplomatic efforts to urge all parties to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and calm down the situation as soon as possible.

As part of these diplomatic efforts, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuji will be dispatched to Israel and Palestine today and tomorrow to once again urge the parties to take such actions.

That is all from me.

Chugoku Shimbun, Higuchi: I would like to ask about the “Japan Chair for a world without nuclear weapons” you announced at the beginning. Could you first tell us why those three organizations were chosen? I imagine that experts will be assigned to the Japan Chair and encouraging discussions at conferences and other opportunities. If anything has been decided for the first activity, I would appreciate it if you can share that.

Minister Kamikawa: With regard to the reason, the organizations where the Japan Chair will be established were decided by taking into account the regional balance and comprehensively assessing various factors, including the organization’s international influence and credibility.

The details are still being coordinated with each organization. The plan is to appoint one person to the Japan Chair at each organization who will specialize in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

The person appointed to this position will not only conduct studies on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. By attending and organizing related conferences, they will be expected to inform their outcomes to a wide community and deepen international discussions in this field.

Chugoku Shimbun, Higuchi: What do you have in mind specifically? That is my first question. It may be a little hard for the general public to understand how appointing a single person will deepen the discussion. If you have some information about this, could you share it with us? My second question is about a larger matter. A short while ago, you noted about overcoming the divisive debate over whether we should be choosing disarmament or deterrence. The Prime Minister stated this at last autumn’s UN General Assembly as well. Please explain the significance of establishing the Japan Chair. As you mentioned, I believe it is a contentious, stalled debate. What role of the chair do you envision in order to move this debate forward? I am interested to hear your thoughts if any.

Minister Kamikawa: The details of the Japan Chair will be coordinated with each organization. Furthermore, we will conduct fine-tuned activities while working together with the one expert appointed for each organization. What is important is to deliver outcomes.

The international security environment is becoming increasingly acute, and the path toward a world without nuclear weapons is becoming more severe.

As I stated earlier, it is critical to overcome the divisive debate over whether we should be choosing deterrence or disarmament. In this regard, it is important to advance realistic and practical efforts in cooperation with mainly these three organizations.

Indeed, we believe multilayered efforts can be realized by transcending purely government efforts and also including academia, as well as by continuously holding conferences centered on this theme.

This vision needs to be worked out in more detail.

Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, scholars will not only be dedicating themselves to their research. It is hoped that, through organizing and participating in conferences, they will demonstrate leadership in advancing various discussions.

We would like to ensure that the final outcome can be achieved based on the attributes of the person appointed to this post.

NHK, Igarashi: I have a question related to the situation in the Middle East. On the negotiations for a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas and the release of hostages, President Biden of the U.S. expected that the two sides will reach an agreement soon and that the pause in fighting will begin as early as the beginning of next week, from March 4. Israel reportedly agreed to a proposal on a six-week pause on the condition that around 40 hostages are released. It is uncertain whether the two sides will come to an agreement. What is the view of the Government of Japan? Please tell us how Japan will deal with the situation.

Minister Kamikawa: A large number of Palestinian displaced people are concentrated in Rafah in southern Gaza Strip. Rafah is a very important location for delivering humanitarian supplies to the people. If a full-scale military operation is waged in this densely populated area without taking adequate measures for the evacuation and protection of civilians, it will clearly result in a catastrophe with even more casualties and, in this sense, make humanitarian assistance activities ever more challenging.

At this very moment, the release of hostages and the pause in fighting are in a delicate negotiation process intermediated by the countries concerned. To realize these ends, Japan, for its part, is urging the parties bilaterally in close coordination with the countries concerned. We are also making diplomatic efforts as a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the G7 to create a conducive environment.

Japan hopes that a humanitarian ceasefire would be swiftly achieved, which would secure an environment in which humanitarian assistance activities can be carried out and would also lead to the release of the hostages, and that a sustainable ceasefire would be achieved. With this in mind, we have been calling on the parties to act immediately from a humanitarian perspective.

As I stated earlier, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuji will be visiting Israel and Palestine from today. Through such occasions, Japan will continue to reiterate the importance of the protection of civilians and firmly urge all parties, including Israel, to ensure compliance with international law including international humanitarian law, improve the humanitarian situation, and create and secure an environment in which humanitarian assistance activities can be carried out.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I would like to ask about sanctions against Russia. In the G7 Leaders’ Statement issued on the two-year mark of the invasion of Ukraine, the G7 members announced that they will strengthen sanctions against Russia and impose additional sanctions on companies and individuals in third countries who help Russia acquire weapons. Could you tell us what additional sanctions Japan plans to impose?

Minister Kamikawa: On February 25, Japan time, the G7 Leaders’ Video Conference was held, and Prime Minister Kishida attended the meeting.

In the meeting, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan, in coordination with the G7 members, has been taking severe measures so far and will impose new additional sanctions this time, including the designation of Russian individuals and entities.

The details are currently being finalized, and there will be an official announcement.

Hokkaido Shimbun, Araya: I would like to ask about the disposal of U.S. Forces Japan’s PCB waste. As the disposal facility in west Japan will be closing at the end of March, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) is considering alternative options for the disposal of PCB waste from U.S. bases in Okinawa, such as a disposal facility in Muroran City, Hokkaido. MOD has been assuming the responsibility for the disposal of U.S. Forces Japan’s PCB waste on the grounds of the Status of Forces Agreement. However, at a briefing held in Muroran on February 20, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) explained, “We are discussing with MOD and MOFA to have the U.S. Forces Japan bring back its PCB waste to the U.S.” Please share with us MOFA’s view.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware of the explanation provided by MOE at the briefing you noted.

Relevant ministries and agencies, including MOE, are working together to consider various options for the disposal of PCB waste generated at U.S. Forces Japan’s facilities and areas, and are in discussions with the U.S.

I believe MOE’s explanation at the briefing for residents was based on the status of such discussions between the Japanese and U.S. Governments.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: I would like to ask about the connection between Diet deliberations and diplomacy.

The FY2024 draft budget is currently being deliberated at the House of Representatives. You yourself have attended the Budget Committee meetings many times. The basic question-and-answer session attended by all ministers including the Prime Minister lasted about 22 hours over the three days between February 5 and 7, according to my calculations. Yet there were only two questions: one on the first day, the 5th, one on the 7th, and zero on the middle day, the 6th. About seven minutes were spent on the answers. Therefore, by my calculations, you were sitting the whole time for the remaining 21 hours and 53 minutes or so. Even at the intensive deliberations on diplomacy and agriculture on the afternoon of the 9th, you were asked a total of four questions by two people based on my count. In think that the time not spent answering questions could be spent on various diplomatic activities, such as foreign ministers’ telephone talks, courtesy calls from ambassadors to Japan, or outreach diplomacy that you are actively pursuing. It can be said that this situation is extremely careless and inefficient, and that the Diet is wastingyour time. Having pointed this out, I am eager to know what you honestly think about the situation. What is on your mind when you arrive at the committee room? I would appreciate it if you can answer these questions.

Minister Kamikawa: Since assuming the office of Foreign Minister, one of my basic mottos has been to conduct diplomacy that is understood and supported by the people. It is only with the understanding of the people that diplomacy can be executed. Diplomacy will not be genuine unless there is trust. My motto is based on this understanding.

At the same time, I recognize that it is difficult to separate domestic affairs and diplomacy in the Diet’s discussions. You said that I have few opportunities to answer questions as Foreign Minister. Regardless of such opportunities, I have always attended the Diet deliberations with the motto I just mentioned.

I intend to continue to attend and engage in the Diet discussions to be able to obtain the understanding and support of the people.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: My Question is about Gaza. In light of your repeated condemnations of Hamas, the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Japan issued a statement last week calling on Japan to also condemn Israel’s “genocide” against the Palestinians.

Japan is calling for humanitarian help for the people of Gaza and also provided financial aid such as the one you mentioned that are all very good and very appreciated, but basically Israeli occupation forces invaded Gaza now and invaded a kind of another country and continues to destroy Gaza hospitals, schools and kill the people.

It seems that you are taking a politically abstract position to avoid making Israel angry. The effect of that is helping the Israeli occupation to continue their genocide.

So our Ambassadors ask why can't Japan condemn Israel's genocide in Gaza?

Minister Kamikawa: Since the outbreak of the terror attacks by Hamas and others last October, I have continued to make various diplomatic efforts in view of what approaches are realistic for improving the humanitarian situation on the ground and calming down the situation as soon as possible. As a UNSC member, Japan has also made utmost diplomatic efforts toward adopting Resolutions 2712 and 2720 and other relevant measures to ensure that the UNSC fulfills its responsibilities.

In addition, Japan has repeatedly urged Israel to act in accordance with international law including international humanitarian law, and to act in good faith based on the UNSC resolutions I just mentioned. When the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its order on provisional measures on January 26, I issued a statement underscoring that the order is legally binding on the parties to the dispute and is to be observed in good faith. Therefore, I believe your point is not valid.

That being said, improving the humanitarian situation on the ground as soon as possible and securing an environment in which humanitarian assistance activities can be carried out are our top priorities right now. To materialize them, Japan hopes that a humanitarian ceasefire would be swiftly achieved, which would secure an environment in which humanitarian assistance activities can be carried out and would also lead to the release of the hostages, and that a sustainable ceasefire would be achieved. With this in mind, we are calling on the parties, including Israel, to act immediately from a humanitarian perspective.

Including through State Minister Tsuji’s present visit to Israel and Palestine, Japan will continue to make persistent and proactive diplomatic efforts toward the immediate release of the hostages, improvement of the humanitarian situation, and calming down of the situation as soon as possible.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: My question is related to domestic affairs. Ever since the issue of the slush funds of the Liberal Democratic Party’s factions came to light last year, the Kishida administration has continued to stagnate, with the cabinet approval rating recording historic lows across various polls. What are your thoughts as a member of the cabinet? At the same time, as the cabinet approval rating continues to decline, there are growing public calls for you to become the next prime minister. The results of public opinion polls show this as well. Please tell us your thoughts if you have any such aspirations as well.

Minister Kamikawa: As a member of the cabinet, I am wholly dedicated to fulfilling my role adequately as Foreign Minister in the Kishida administration.

With regard to the approval rating, I am aware that people have various opinions and perspectives. Amid very challenging domestic and international situations, we are committed to addressing these issues one by one. For the Kishida administration to assume its role based on this commitment, I intend to devote myself wholeheartedly to serving in my role as Foreign Minister.

It has been almost 170 days since I assumed office. I have beenaware of the extremely challenging international environment.

Under these circumstances, I am determined to engage in my duties as Foreign Minister without losing focus or diverting my attention, being mindful of what should be done for the future of Japan and for the younger generations who bear the future. This is my candid opinion.