Press Conferences

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

First, I will visit Italy from April 17 to 19 to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

This will be my first in-person G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting since the meeting last November at the Iikura Guest House. Over these past few months, the international situation has continued to change rapidly.

Division and confrontation in the international community have deepened as a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. More recently, events, including the response to the extremely serious humanitarian situation in Gaza and attacks by Iran against Israel using drones and missiles, have also escalated tensions. The G7 must more than ever unite and play a role in addressing the critical issues facing the international community, including those in the Indo-Pacific region.

The upcoming meeting plans to continue the focused discussions on Japan’s priorities since last year, including cooperation with non-G7 partners. As last year’s G7 President and the only G7 member from Asia, Japan will explain its diplomatic efforts and initiatives, and contribute fully to the discussions.

During Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to the U.S. last week, which I also attended, I believe Japan and the U.S. were able to firmly demonstrate their determination as global partners to jointly maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. At the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that follows on this visit, I intend to engage in frank and in-depth discussions from a global perspective on issues including the ones I just mentioned, in order to further enhance the unity of the G7 and work more closely among the members.

Minister Kamikawa: Second, the Diplomatic Bluebook 2024 was distributed at the Cabinet meeting today.

The Diplomatic Bluebook is a record of Japan’s diplomatic activities. It has been published every year since 1957. Each volume documents the path Japan has taken in the international community.

They are the trails left by our predecessors, the reason Japanese diplomacy was able to earn the trust it has today. Since taking office, I have continued to stand at the forefront of diplomacy, striving to live up to this trust.

Diplomatic Bluebook 2024, which is the 67th volume, focuses on the “rule of law” and “human dignity,” as the world reaches a turning point in history, and takes into account the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. It highlights and records from various angles Japan’s diplomacy, which seeks to protect Japan’s national interests and lead the international community toward cooperation, not division and confrontation. It also covers the achievements of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, which was highly praised internationally, as well as our efforts related to Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

The Diplomatic Bluebook is now available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website . We hope that as many people as possible will read it and further deepen their understanding of Japan’s diplomacy.

Minister Kamikawa: Third, with the international community now facing a variety of compound crises, efforts for ensuring the sustainability of the entire international community, including SDGs, are confronting significant challenges.

Under these circumstances, it is strongly incumbent on Japan to lead the international community by once again creatively considering approaches that will allow us to achieve growth and sustainability simultaneously, while obtaining insights broadly from various sectors.

Based on this awareness, we have decided to launch an Advisory Panel on Sustainability of the International Community, under my purview, by late April. Its members will include experts from various fields, including business, academia, the arts, and philosophy.

Through candid discussions by this Advisory Panel, we will explore how Japan can lead the international community in ensuring both the sustainable growth of Japan and the sustainability of the entire international community, looking at not only the current SDGs but also beyond 2030, the deadline for SDGs.

These are the three announcements from my end.

NHK, Igarashi: I would like to ask about the large-scale attacks by Iran against Israel. Two days ago, a G7 Leaders’ Conference was held virtually, at which Prime Minister Kishida expressed Japan’s intention to make all diplomatic efforts to calm down the situation as soon as possible. Japan has a longstanding friendship with Iran, and it was announced that a Foreign Ministers’ telephone talk was held today. Could you tell us what was discussed? Please also explain Japan’s role in the situation in the Middle East and your efforts for evacuating Japanese nationals.

Minister Kamikawa: Japan has been strongly urging Iran to calm down the situation. Today, I held a telephone talk with Foreign Minister Abdollahian of Iran and stated that Japan is deeply concerned about the recent attacks, which further deteriorate the current situation in the Middle East, and strongly condemns such escalation.

I also stressed that the current situation is not in the interest of the international community as a whole, including Japan, not to mention that of Iran and the Iranian people, and strongly urged Iran to exercise restraint, stating that further escalation of tensions must be prevented.

Furthermore, I pointed out the importance of freedom of navigation and safety. I called for Iran to ensure the safety of navigation in the waters of the region and requested for Iran’s support in securing the safety of Japanese nationals.

We will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts, including continuing to urge Iran at a high level.

You also asked about the evacuation of Japanese nationals. With regard to protecting Japanese nationals, we have acted swiftly following the incident to confirm the safety of and alert Japanese citizens residing there. We have yet to receive any information that any have lost their lives or been injured.

Japan will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts in order to prevent the further deterioration of the situation, while taking all possible measures to protect Japanese nationals abroad.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I would like to ask a related question about Iran’s attacks against Israel. The U.S. side has disclosed that sanctions against Iran were also discussed at the G7 Leaders’ Video Conference held on April 14. What is currently being coordinated on the sanctions? If new sanctions will be imposed, will Japan be implementing them in alignment with the G7 members? In addition, Iran claims that the attacks were retaliation for the attacks on the Embassy of Iran in Syria. Meanwhile, the Government of Japan has avoided commenting on Israel’s involvement in the attack against the Embassy, stating that it is difficult to ascertain the facts. When Hamas launched a surprise attack last October, Japan emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself. At this time, together with the G7, it has condemned the attacks by Iran. However, some note that it is a double standard not to identify and condemn the party responsible for the attack against the Embassy, which is stipulated as inviolable in international law. Could you tell us why it is difficult to ascertain the facts surrounding the attack against the Embassy? Please also share your thoughts on the criticism of Japan’s double standards.

Minister Kamikawa: Israel has not admitted its involvement in the attack against Iranian facilities in Syria on April 1. I will refrain from making a definitive assessment as the facts surrounding this incident cannot be fully ascertained at this time.

That being said, in general, attacks on diplomatic missions and other overseas establishments are unacceptable under international law. Japan takes this incident with grave concern and alarm.

I will refrain from answering about future responses by Japan or the G7 at this time based on speculation. In any case, Japan is deeply concerned about the recent attacks by Iran, which further deteriorate the current situation in the Middle East, and strongly condemns such escalation. I also expressed this position in the Statement by Foreign Minister that was issued on the 14th.

Anadolu Agency, Furkan: There are reports that Israel may attempt a military operation on the Rafah area in Gaza. The U.S. is opposed to Israeli ground attacks on Rafah. An attack on Rafah could mean a new genocide. What is the position of the Government of Japan on this issue? Has it taken any initiative to prevent the possibility of an Israeli attack on Rafah?

Minister Kamikawa: Japan is deeply concerned about the developments of an Israeli military operation in Rafah.

A large number of Palestinian displaced people are concentrated in this area. If a military operation continues in such circumstances, it will clearly result in a catastrophe with even more casualties and make humanitarian assistance activities ever more challenging. Japan cannot tolerate such a situation. Based on this position of Japan, I have been approaching Israel on various occasions and intend to do so in a telephone talk that is currently being coordinated.

The release of hostages and the pause in fighting are still in a negotiation process intermediated by the countries concerned. To realize these ends, Japan 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 and the G7 to create an environment conducive to negotiation. Japan will continue to make persistent and active diplomatic efforts.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask another question regarding your telephone talk with Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdollahian. Could you tell us, to the extent you can, what was Iran’s reaction to the Japanese position you conveyed and what the two of you discussed?

Minister Kamikawa: Prime Minister Kishida paid an official visit to the U.S. from April 8 to 14 and just made significant achievements. Meanwhile, Japan takes very seriously the current situation in the Middle East.

I held a telephone talk with Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdollahian a short while ago.

Regarding the current situation in the Middle East, we both share the view that the situation in Gaza is very severe.

Moreover, we have been addressing the situation based on the grave outlook that it will spill over to areas throughout the Middle East. I have reiterated this once again.

The position of Iran should be explained by Iran. This is a rule of diplomacy. Therefore, I would like to refrain from making any further comments.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: Khaldon Azhari, Pan Orient News.Algeria on behalf of the Arab group and the Organization of the Islamic Conference nations and the United States submitted a bill to recognize Palestine as a full membership of the United Nations. What is Japan’s position on recognizing Palestine as an independent nation in this session? I think it’s going on these days within a week . There is a sense that by not recognizing Palestine as a state, Japan is supporting Israeli official position recently announced of rejecting the 2 states solution. Japan has recognized Kosovo very quickly in the past, few years, although Palestine has been a country for thousands of years, but you have not recognized it. So, don’t you think that it’s positive for the Middle East peace to recognize Palestine? Is Japan going to wait till the United States decides to recognize Palestine first, then you recognize it second? Thank you.

Minister Kamikawa: Japan would like to refrain from commenting on the U.S. position on its recognition of a Palestinian state.

That being said, Japan will continue to review comprehensively on its recognition of Palestine as a state, including the perspective of whether it can contribute to progress in the peace process.

Chugoku Shimbun, Miyano: I have a question on the Diplomatic Bluebook. This year’s Diplomatic Bluebook contains a new feature on extended deterrence and emphasizes that “extended deterrence, including nuclear deterrence provided by the U.S., is indispensable.” It also states Japan’s position that pursuing nuclear disarmament is its “responsibility.” Stressing the importance of the U.S. nuclear deterrence, or the “nuclear umbrella,” while aiming for the elimination of nuclear weapons seems to be contradictory. What is your view on this?

Minister Kamikawa: As is explained in the Diplomatic Bluebook’s feature on extended deterrence, nuclear weapons pose real security threats to Japan, and we consider that the extended deterrence, including nuclear deterrence, provided by the U.S. is indispensable for dealing with these threats.

At last week’s Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting as well, the two countries discussed U.S. extended deterrence using its full range of capabilities, including nuclear capabilities, and confirmed the importance of continuing to enhance extended deterrence.

It is not contradictory by any means to work toward bringing the reality closer to the ideal of a world without nuclear weapons, while at the same time facing reality and ensuring national security, including extended deterrence by the U. S., which is essential to Japan.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: I would like to ask about Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to the U.S. In his address to the U.S. Congress on April 11, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan is the U.S.’s global partner. The Kishida administration has already stated that the U.S. forces would be entrusted with the command of the JSDF. The only way to interpret this is that Prime Minister Kishida made a promise in the U.S. that could lead to Japan losing its national sovereignty and the JSDF being operated as a subordinate organization of the U.S. forces, not only in the Far East but also around the world, without any explanation being given to sovereign Japanese citizens. I am deeply concerned that Japan will face a tragic fate like Ukraine, which has been sacrificed in the U.S. proxy war against Russia. Please share your opinion with us. Thank you.

Minister Kamikawa: All JSDF activities, including bilateral actions with the U.S. forces, are carried out in accordance with the Constitution of Japan, domestic laws and regulations, and other rules, with Japan being primarily responsible for making the decisions. The JSDF and the U.S. forces take actions in accordance with their respective independent chains-of-command. Accordingly, the JSDF Joint Operations Command will not come under the command and control of U.S. forces.

The Japan-U.S. Guidelines established in 2015 states that the JSDF and the U.S. forces “will take action through their respective chains-of-command,” and that their activities “will be in accordance with their respective constitutions, laws, and regulations then in effect, and basic positions on national security policy.”

With this assumption, the Japan-U.S. procedures for coordination following the establishment of the Joint Operations Command will be considered vis-à-vis how the Japan-U.S. partnership can be strengthened. In this sense, I would like to emphasize that, as a rule, the JSDF will take actions as the JSDF according to Japan’s basic legal framework and basic concepts.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I would like to confirm a remark you made earlier. In connection with the situation in the Middle East, you stated that a telephone talk with Israel was being coordinated. Is it correct to understand that a telephone talk between you and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel is being arranged to take place shortly? During the telephone talk, do you intend to urge Israel to calm down its situation with Iran?

Minister Kamikawa: To Israel, I have been stressing the necessity to avoid further spillover of the conflict into the region. Japan will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts, including high-level communications with Israel.

A telephone talk is currently being coordinated in order to talk directly with Minister of Foreign Affairs Katz of Israel.

Regarding the situation surrounding Iran, I ask that you please refer to the press release that has already been issued.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I am sorry; my question was not very clear. If there is a telephone talk with Israel, do you intend to urge Israel to calm down its intensifying situation with Iran?

Minister Kamikawa: As the telephone talk is currently being coordinated and has not taken place yet, I would like to refrain from answering here, at this time, about what I will be stating.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I have a general question about the Prime Minister’s visit to the U.S. During the visit, the two leaders agreed to work together in wide-ranging areas, from security to advanced technologies in the economic sector. In addition, a Japan-U.S.-Philippines Summit Meeting was held for the first time during the visit. What do you consider to be the achievements of the entire visit?

Minister Kamikawa: Prime Minister Kishida paid an official visit to the U.S. from April 8 to 14 and made significant achievements.

Specifically, during the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting, the two leaders confirmed that Japan and the U.S. are bonded by deep trust and multi-layered friendship, including the personal relationship of trust between Prime Minister Kishida and President Biden, and that based on the unprecedentedly strong friendship and trust, Japan and the U.S. have become global partners beyond bilateral or regional spheres, to uphold and bolster the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

In his address to the Congress, Prime Minister Kishida noted that the international order that the U.S. has built is facing new challenges, and freedom and democracy are under threat around the globe. Prime Minister Kishida emphasized that the leadership of the U.S. was indispensable, and that Japan was with the U.S. in its endeavors. I believe Prime Minister Kishida’s remarks garnered support from many people.

Moreover, in North Carolina, the Prime Minister explained that Japanese companies have made tremendous contributions to the U.S. economy through investments and job creation, and once again highlighted the importance of Japan-U.S. grassroots exchanges in U.S. regional economies and societies.

I accompanied Prime Minister Kishida in Washington D.C., and I attended the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting, the Japan-U.S.-Philippines Summit Meeting you just noted, among other events. In addition to supporting the Prime Minister, I exchanged views with Secretary of State Blinken, Secretary of Commerce Raimondo, and others and confirmed the achievements of this visit.

Additionally, a Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held, and we confirmed a commitment to strengthen Japan-Philippines and Japan-U.S.-Philippines cooperation.

Fully building on the achievements of this visit, we will continue to work to further strengthen Japan-U.S. relations in a future-oriented manner.