Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I will visit Madagascar, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, France, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, from April 26 to May 5. With regard to Sub-Saharan Africa region and two countries of Southwest Asia, these will be my first visits to the countries since I was appointed as Foreign Minister.. This also will be the first visit to Madagascar by a Japanese Foreign Minister since it gained independence in 1960.

Ahead of the TICAD Ministerial Meeting scheduled in August, Japan intends to strive to strengthen economic relations and connectivity, and further work together on global issues, including the rule of law and Women, Peace and Security (WPS), with the three countries in Africa.

Specifically, first in Madagascar, located at a key juncture on sea lanes, I will seek to promote the strengthening of bilateral relations, including “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” the cooperation on economic security, supporting for Japanese corporations, and the initiative for Public Diplomacy.

In Côte d'Ivoire, the hub in the Francophonie in Africa, I aim to strengthen economic relations with the country, which is driving the regional economy, and to support the political and economic stability along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea.

Additionally, in Nigeria, now Africa’s largest economy, I will exchange views on directing the vitality of the growth to Japan, and the initiatives of Nigeria, which is the current Chair country of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In addition, to effectively support Japanese corporations, we recently announced the establishment of a new position, “official in charge of cross-border economic affairs.” At the outset, we have decided to appoint such an official at six pilot diplomatic missions in five countries. They will support Japanese corporations that are expanding their business to Africa, a region that is described as having high economic growth potential but where there are relatively many challenges for conducting business.

The pilot diplomatic missions are the Embassy of Japan in South Africa, the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai, the Embassy of Japan in the UK, the Embassy of Japan in India, the Embassy of Japan in Turkey, and the Consulate-General of Japan in Istanbul.

During my visits to Africa, I will listen to the needs and views of local Japanese corporations and also receive wide-ranging feedback from the business community and others. I will take leadership and ensure that their comments are taken into account in our future developments.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Japan’s accession to the OECD. During my stay in France from May 2 to 3, I will attend the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting chaired by Japan and facilitate the meeting, as well as attend a WTO informal ministerial meeting hosted by Australia. In addition, I will hold a Japan-EU High-level Economic Dialogue together with the EU.

As the international community faces deepening division and confrontation, the OECD, which unites under shared values, has been further growing in importance. Building on the achievements made as last year’s G7 Presidency, Japan will lead the discussions on economic and social challenges toward maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

I will also hold the Japan-France Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Foreign Minister Séjourné, and we will exchange views on strengthening cooperation between Japan and France, the regional affairs, and other matters.

Japan and both Sri Lanka and Nepal have established deep mutual trust based on many years of development cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Through my visit, we will further strengthen our cooperation.

Specifically, first, in Sri Lanka, Japan will reiterate its cooperation with the Government of Sri Lanka, which is in the process of restructuring its debt. I will also confirm with Sri Lanka our collaboration on FOIP, WPS, and disarmament and non-proliferation.

The visit to Nepal will be the first by a Japanese Foreign Minister in approximately five years. We will confirm our cooperation to strengthen the bilateral relationship in the lead-up to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 2026, and to Nepal’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category.

Economy, ocean, and connectivity are the themes that will run throughout my visits. I will visit three countries in Africa which are in distinctive leadership roles, as well as the OECD and two countries in South Asia which are nodes connecting land and sea. I will carry out diplomacy that will build bridges between the Global South and like-minded countries, including the G7.

That is all from me.

Kyodo News, Hayashi: You just stated that, during your visit, Japan will confirm and coordinate cooperation in various areas. I believe it is also the case that China is enhancing its influence in Africa and South Asia, mainly in Asia. In this context, what kind of message will you be sending or intend to convey at your meetings and other opportunities? Could you please elaborate?

Minister Kamikawa: In the current international situation with deepening division and confrontation, we believe that strengthening collaboration and establishing partnerships with developing and emerging countries, which are taking on a significant presence in the world, is critical for maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Ever since I was appointed as Foreign Minister, I have witnessed firsthand the high level of trust and expectations placed in Japanese diplomacy by the “Global South” countries, as well as their enthusiasm to deepen cooperation with Japan. During my visit as well, I intend to send a strong message that Japan and Africa and Japan and South Asia will cooperate and coordinate in order to prosper together, realize FOIP based on the rule of law, and resolve global challenges including WPS, founded on trust that Japan has built with them over the years.

In particular, at the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, in light of Southeast Asian countries’ moves to join the OECD, we will emphasize the need to further strengthen the OECD’s outreach to the Indo-Pacific region, especially to Southeast Asia, which is an effort Japan has been leading.

Building on the trust forged with developing and other countries based on our long history, Japan will work more closely with the “Global South” countries to pave the way to the future.

Mainichi Shimbun, Moriguchi: A U.S. budget legislation including additional support to Ukraine was passed. During the budget deliberations, several Congress members reportedly referred to the address that Prime Minister Kishida gave at a Joint Meeting and expressed their support for the budget. Please share with us your thoughts on this.

In addition, the legislation that was passed will allow the use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine. On Russian frozen assets, there is idea about using the interest from them to support Ukraine, and according to reports, this will be discussed at future G7 summit meetings. What does Japan consider to be the possible uses of Russian frozen assets? Do you think the idea to make use of the interest could become a leading option?

Minister Kamikawa: With regard to your first question, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act that shakes the very foundations of the entire international order. We consider that it is necessary for the international community to unite in continuing to strongly promote sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine to stop Russia’s aggression and to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.

Against this backdrop, on April 24, the U.S. passed a budget legislation which includes additional support to Ukraine, and the Government of the U.S. will be providing further support to Ukraine based on this budget. The Government of Japan welcomes this.

I am aware that, in the process of passing the budget, including the Senate’s deliberation of the budget legislation, several members referred to Prime Minister Kishida’s address at a Joint Meeting of the U.S. Congress. In his address, Prime Minister Kishida referred to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and emphasized that the leadership of the U.S. was indispensable. I believe this message got through to the members of the U.S. Congress.

The Government of Japan will continue to work with the U.S. as global partners.

The second question was about the use of Russia’s sovereign assets that have been frozen. As stated in the G7 Leaders’ Statement on February 24, this will continue to be discussed extensively among the countries concerned.

I will refrain from projecting about their discussions based on speculation. Japan will continue to work closely with the countries concerned, including the G7, and take appropriate responses.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kudo: The Yomiuri Shimbun’s morning edition on April 26 published recommendations for addressing Japan’s decreasing population. As the workforce declines, the Government has put forward measures that focus on foreign nationals, including establishment of a training and employment program. In the recommendations, we encourage the Government to establish a long-term national strategy for foreign nationals. Please share your opinion on these recommendations.

Minister Kamikawa: As is stated in your recommendations, given the increasing seriousness of the workforce shortage and intensifying international competition for human resources, Japan must become an attractive country to work in and one where people choose to come.

From this perspective, it is essential that Japan opens its doors more than ever before to foreign nationals who have a certain level of skills and wish to work in Japan, and to realize a society of harmonious coexistence with such foreign nationals.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is implementing relevant initiatives in close cooperation with related ministries and agencies, in accordance with the “Roadmap for the Realization of a Society of Harmonious Coexistence with Foreign Nationals” which was formulated by the Ministerial Council on Acceptance and Inclusion of Foreign Human Resources.

Specifically, the initiatives are as follows. First, through the Japan Foundation, we are improving the Japanese language education environment for foreign nationals before they come to Japan. Second, we are carrying out awareness-raising activities through international forums co-organized with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Third, we are working with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to create arrangements for both foreign and Japanese nationals to become active players in a society of harmonious coexistence. Through such initiatives, MOFA will continue to fulfill a proactive role.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: I would like to ask about the Buddhist statue that was stolen from Kannonji Temple in Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture and brought to the Republic of Korea (ROK). Although it will be six months today since the Supreme Court of Korea’s judgement was confirmed that Kannonji Temple owns the statue, it has yet to be returned. I asked about the Government’s response to this matter at your press conference on January 30. At that time, you responded, “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.” However, according to Kannonji Temple’s staff, they have still not heard anything from anyone. Despite your response in January, has MOFA not contacted the temple? I would like to confirm this. Please also explain what efforts will be made for the return of the statue and your outlook for its return.

Minister Kamikawa: Regarding the Buddhist statue you referred to, considering the judgment was confirmed in the ROK last October, we have been urging the ROK Government on a number of opportunities to ensure that the Buddhist statue is returned to its owner, Kannonji Temple, as quickly as possible, and we are still in communication with them. The ROK Government has stated that the procedures for returning the statue will be decided by the organizations concerned, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

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

We believe that the details should be fully shared in moving the process forward, and we will make our utmost efforts to do so.

Jiji Press, Murakami: I would like to ask about public opinion polls. It has been seven months since you were appointed as Foreign Minister. In that time, our public opinion polls show that the percentage of respondents who said you were suited to be the next Prime Minister has nearly doubled. What are your thoughts on the expectations for you to become the next Prime Minister? Do you think such expectations are the result of engaging in what you have called diplomacy without losing focus or diverting your attention? Please share your views.

Minister Kamikawa: Ever since I was elected for the first time in 2000, I have been dedicating myself to fulfilling my responsibilities as a politician and engaged in political activities based on my own beliefs and convictions. And now, my job is to support Prime Minister Kishida with all my strength as a member of the Cabinet.

Diplomacy, which I am currently wholeheartedly dedicated to, is in fact closely intertwined with current critical domestic affairs. I believe that the stability of Japan’s domestic affairs will also be a vital element of diplomacy.

I am carrying out the duties assigned to me as Foreign Minister with unwavering dedication, in order to pass on to future generations a Japan that has great and bright potential and is respected and needed by the world.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Hata: In January 2021, a body of a Japanese woman was found in the city of Verona, Italy. The Italian police believed it was suicide at first and did not conduct a proper investigation. However, her parents in Japan insisted that it was murder, and on April 3, the Italian court rendered a judgment which ordered the police to reinvestigate the case. We do not know whether this incident was a suicide, but please tell us how the Government of Japan is responding to this matter, and whether the Government will be urging the Government of Italy to take actions of any kind based on the court’s judgment.

Minister Kamikawa: First, I express my deepest condolences for the woman who lost her life and to her bereaved family.

MOFA has kept in contact with the family ever since this matter occurred and provided necessary support, including transporting the body to Japan.

We are aware that the court in Verona, Italy ruled on April 3 that this incident be reinvestigated as a criminal case. We intend to support the family as much as possible in consideration of their wishes.