Press Conferences

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

It is utterly heartbreaking to hear that the earthquake that struck eastern Taiwan in the morning of April 3 caused tremendous suffering and damage. I would like to once again express my heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives, and my sympathies are with their bereaved families. I pray that the wounded make the swiftest recovery and that the people still missing are searched for and rescued as quickly as possible.

Japan and Taiwan are important friends that have supported each other every time they faced challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. We sincerely appreciate the heartwarming and tremendous support Japan received from the people of Taiwan after the Noto Peninsula Earthquake at the beginning of this year.

In the wake of the recent earthquake in Taiwan, Japan intends to deliver emergency grant aid amounting to USD 1 million through the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, hoping to be of assistance in any way possible.

Japan will actively extend necessary support for Taiwan’s needs in order to provide relief to the affected people and to help achieve the earliest restoration and reconstruction of the affected areas.

Minister Kamikawa: Secondly, the new Exhibition Room of the Diplomatic Archives at Azabudai Hills will open to the public on Monday, April 8, next week. Prior to this, we will hold an opening ceremony from 4 p.m. today.

Since assuming the office of Foreign Minister, I have pledged to conduct “diplomacy that is understood and supported by the people.”

To carry out such diplomacy, it is essential to preserve records of our diplomatic activities and pass them down to future generations, along with providing opportunities for many more people to access such diplomatic documents.

I expect that the new Exhibition Room will become a place where everyone can stop by anytime and further familiarize themselves with Japan’s diplomacy.

I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the proper management of diplomatic documents and to making them accessible to the public.

As part of this effort, we have decided to transfer government documents concerning key policies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Diplomatic Archives in principle. For FY2023, we will preserve and transfer to the Diplomatic Archives documents related to four key policies: the G7 Hiroshima Summit, Japan-Israel and Japan-Palestine diplomacy, the situation in Ukraine, and the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan relations.

We will make continued efforts to preserve for future generations important documents, which are an intellectual resource to be shared by the people, and ensure that these documents can be utilized for various diplomatic and other measures.

That is all from me.

Mainichi Shimbun, Moriguchi: I would like to ask about the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit. It has been revealed that plans are in the works to hold the meeting in May in the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Presidency of the trilateral process. Could you tell us about the Government’s coordination on the meeting? Furthermore, this will be the first summit meeting since the end of 2019. Please also explain the significance of this meeting.

Minister Kamikawa: Nothing has been decided regarding the date of the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit. At the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting last November, we concurred on expediting preparation for holding the summit at the earliest convenient time.

I will refrain from disclosing the details of our diplomatic communication. Japan will continue to support the efforts of the ROK, the Presidency, and will coordinate with the two countries to hold the summit at the earliest convenient time.

We believe it is meaningful for the three leaders of Japan, China, and the ROK, which share a great responsibility for regional peace and prosperity, to gather together and discuss the direction of trilateral cooperation, the manner of trilateral concrete collaboration, regional issues, and other challenges.

Nikkei Shimbun, Miki: I would like to ask about Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to the U.S. It was announced today that the Prime Minister will be visiting the U.S. from April 8. Will you be accompanying the Prime Minister? In addition, please share your thoughts on the significance of the Prime Minister’s visit at this time, in the middle of the U.S. presidential elections.

Minister Kamikawa: We perceive that the international community is facing complex and diverse challenges, making the firm unity and the alliance between Japan and the U.S. ever more important.

In the current international situation, the importance of Japan-U.S. relations, including economic relations, is recognized across party lines even in the U.S., and I am convinced that this recognition is growing even stronger.

Through this visit, the two sides will further deepen their close cooperation. We also hope to make this an opportunity to emphasize, both domestically and abroad, the importance of the Japan-U.S. Alliance for maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law and to strengthen the bilateral relationship among a wide range of stakeholders from both countries.

With regard to the question on my accompaniment of the Prime Minister, I plan to accompany the Prime Minister if circumstances permit. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I will continue to make every effort to ensure the success of Prime Minister Kishida’s official visit to the U.S.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: I have a question on the situation in Ukraine. Japan has provided support totaling approximately 1.7 trillion yen over the past two years, and reportedly will contribute 149.2 billion yen through the World Bank. From the perspective of Russia, Japan is supporting an adversary. Amid rising Russia-U.S. tensions, the Ukraine versus Russia war could grow into a Western countries versus Russia one. While Japan is merely providing funds, it could become embroiled in the war if military tensions escalate to the climax. You have repeatedly mentioned the sanctions against Russia and have not called for an immediate ceasefire. Are your remarks suggesting that Japan is prepared to ultimately go to war with Russia? Please explain your true motive. Thank you.

Minister Kamikawa: In February 2022, Russia disregarded countries’ prior calls for a peaceful resolution and launched an invasion of Ukraine to realize its unilateral demands, including the “demilitarization” and “neutralization” of Ukraine. This is an outrageous act that shakes the very foundations of the international order and is a clear violation of international law. Japan once again expresses its vehement condemnation.

Based on the recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are inseparable and that attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force could occur anywhere, Japan has been addressing this issue as its own issue for the peace and security of the entire international community. Ever since the aggression began, Japan has been consistent in strongly implementing sanctions against Russia and providing support for Ukraine. Japan’s basic position and stance remain unchanged.

Japan will continue to work with the G7, the countries in the Global South, and other countries, and exert leadership in order to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: My question is about the situation in the Middle East. In a telephone talk with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, President Biden of the U.S. urged Israel to implement concrete measures to protect civilians in the Gaza Strip and underscored that an immediate ceasefire is essential. Could you share your reaction? In addition, as the United Nations Security Council presidency for March, Japan led the adoption of a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire during the month of Ramadan. Please tell us again what kind of a ceasefire Japan thinks is desirable in Gaza.

Minister Kamikawa: Japan highly appreciates the tireless diplomatic efforts made by the U.S. toward the release of the hostages, the pause to the fighting, and improving the local humanitarian situation, including the telephone talk between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu, which you asked about.

Japan is urging the parties bilaterally in close coordination with the countries concerned. We are also making diplomatic efforts as a member of the Security Council and the G7 to create a conducive environment.

Japan has been calling on the parties to act immediately from a humanitarian perspective to swiftly achieve a humanitarian ceasefire, which would ensure a conducive environment for sufficient humanitarian assistance activities and would also lead to the release of the remaining hostages, thereby resulting in the realization of a sustainable ceasefire. During the Japan-Israel Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk on April 3, I reiterated this to Minister of Foreign Affairs Katz of Israel and emphasized the critical importance of compliance with international law including international humanitarian law.

Pan Orient News, Azhari:Khaldon Azhari, Pan Orient News.
The Iranian embassy in Damascus was attacked by missiles on April 1st. Iran and Syria accused Israel of this attack, but Israel remained silent.
In principle, does Japan believe that such a missile attack at the embassy of the sovereign country should not be condemned because Israel is the accused?
And Japan has condemned Hamas tens of times since October 7 attacks. But you never condemned Israel for its occupation and also for what is called genocide against Palestinian that killed about 40 thousand of Palestinians; civilians, mostly children and babies.
Also, did Japan receive intelligence information from your allies who have satellites over Earth and can easily track missiles, as you do toward North Korean missiles, providing detailed data about their trajectory?

Minister Kamikawa:: I will refrain from making a definitive assessment as the facts surrounding this incident cannot be fully ascertained at this time. In general, attacks on diplomatic missions and other overseas establishments are unacceptable under international law. Japan is closely following the situation on the ground with grave concern and alarm.

I would like to refrain from disclosing the details of our diplomatic communication, including whether information was received about the missile’s orbit, which you asked about.

NHK, Igarashi:I have a question about the issue of political fundraising parties by factions. The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) has decided on the punishment of 39 Diet members and others concerned. Mr. Seko, former Secretary General for the LDP in the House of Councillors from the Abe faction, was recommended to leave the party and has left the LDP. Some party members are expressing dissatisfaction with the disciplinary actions and questioning Prime Minister Kishida’s responsibility, which is anticipated to affect the party’s future operations. Please share with us your thoughts regarding the efforts to restore the trust of the people.

Minister Kamikawa: I, as Foreign Minister, will refrain from commenting on the disciplinary actions by the LDP. As a politician, I take very seriously the need to restore the trust of the people.

I believe it is difficult to separate domestic affairs and diplomacy. As I have stated since I took office, I have been carrying out and will pursue diplomacy that is understood and supported by the people of Japan.

Chugoku Shimbun, Miyano: At the end of March, Mr. Walberg, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the Republican party, stated that the situation in Gaza in Palestine “should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima.” In a press conference today, President Izumi of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan urged that the Government of Japan lodge a strong protest against this remark. What is your understanding of this remark by a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the need for a protest? In addition, you will be accompanying Prime Minister Kishida to the U.S. The catastrophes caused by nuclear weapons have not necessarily been conveyed accurately to the U.S., where comments are being made as if to encourage the use of nuclear weapons. Please tell us what efforts you plan to make there to address this situation.

Minister Kamikawa: I am aware of the remark you just referred to, and I am concerned about its spread through the media.

I understand that he later issued a statement on March 31 explaining the intention behind his remark, stating, for example, “As a child who grew up in the Cold War Era, the last thing I’d advocate for would be the use of nuclear weapons.”

In any case, Japan is the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings during wartime. The catastrophes of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated. Based on this firm belief, Japan will continue to make realistic and practical efforts in cooperation with the U.S. to realize a world without nuclear weapons. In addition, we believe it is important that many people, including Americans, visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki and deepen their understanding of the realities of atomic bombings.

I remain committed to pursuing these efforts from such a viewpoint.

Chugoku Shimbun, Miyano: I would like to ask a follow-up question. You stated that you are concerned about the spread through the media. Are you concerned about the remark made by the U.S. House of Representatives? I would also like to ask again whether you believe a protest is necessary.

Minister Kamikawa: Regarding what was spread through the media, I believe he later issued a statement on March 31 explaining the intention behind his remark as I just mentioned. In this sense, I ask for your understanding that my intention is as I just stated.

Mainichi Shimbun, Moriguchi: I would like to ask about the Expo. Israel, which continues its military operations in Gaza, Palestine, has formally announced that it would participate in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Minister for the World Expo 2025 Jimi indicated that Israel’s participation would be permitted, stating that Israel’s operations were directly prompted by a terror attack on its territory and are therefore different from Russia’s unilateral invasion of Ukraine, and that it was inappropriate to treat the two in the same manner. It is a fact that many civilians have been killed by Israel’s military operations. Do you believe it is proper to allow Israel’s participation in the Expo, which deals with the importance of life, and other themes? Please share with us your view, along with the reason.

Minister Kamikawa: First of all, in principle, it is up to each country to determine whether to participate in the Expo.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, for example, constitutes a grave breach of the international law prohibiting use of force and of the United Nations Charter, and is also incompatible with the Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

On the other hand, Israel’s operations in the Gaza Strip were directly prompted by a terror attack on Israeli territory by Hamas and others, and we believe it is inappropriate to treat these operations in the same manner as Russia’s unilateral invasion of Ukraine.