Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: As the TICAD Ministerial Meeting is ongoing, I would like to begin with remarks about the meeting. The two-day TICAD Ministerial Meeting will wrap up with only the Closing Session to come. Representatives from 47 African countries and relevant international organizations participated, and heated, intensive discussions took place. Africa is brimming with energy, particularly from the younger generation, women, and the continuous emergence of innovations. With a focus on such aspects, we had very exciting discussions about co-creating Africa’s future. I am very excited.

In addition to the Ministerial Meeting, I have held 32 bilateral meetings. They were truly marathon meetings. At each of these meetings, we were able to hold thorough discussions on not only bilateral relations but also the international situation and global challenges. The discussions provided highly insightful perspectives on how Japan and Africa perceive the situations from their respective worldviews.

I am referring to the situation in the Middle East in particular. The situation in the Middle East is changing constantly. I myself believe that Japan must not lessen its engagement, and we are addressing the situation with such a sense of urgency. TICAD is attended by African countries with significant influence, including Egypt and South Africa. In my bilateral meetings, I discussed Japan’s stance and ways of cooperation. Just earlier, I received reports that retaliatory attacks by Hezbollah have begun, and I exchanged views with the Egyptian Foreign Minister to prevent further escalation. As the situation is changing rapidly, we discussed again that we would exchange the latest information and respond accordingly.

Of course, on the situations in Ukraine and East Asia as well, my counterparts and I concurred to deepen discussion and further collaborate, including reaching out to the parties concerned as necessary. In this sense, I have been holding bilateral meetings which have been extremely valuable for deepening Africa’s understanding of the situation in East Asia.

Regarding the outcomes, the Ministerial Meeting marked a major milestone for TICAD 9 to be held next August in Yokohama, whose official logo was announced at yesterday’s reception. At the Ministerial Meeting, we were able to take a new step forward in the run-up to TICAD 9. I feel recharged, receiving a lot of energy from the people of Africa. Many young Japanese people in their 20s and 30s, as well as a significant number of women, are playing an active role in the continent, including launching start-ups. Some are involved in JICA’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects. I was moved by the young people who spoke enthusiastically. It gave me great hope to see that Japan’s young people are feeling the energy of Africa. In this respect, we would like to conclude the meeting with the intention of co-creating the future together with Africa.

Reporter: I would like to ask about the presidential election of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP). Please tell us about how many recommendations you have secured so far and when you plan to announce your candidacy.

Minister Kamikawa: Regarding the topic of when I will announce my candidacy, I have not set a particular date. Standing before people, I am asked various questions. Many have said they would like me to become Japan’s first female prime minister, and that only KAMIKAWA Yoko who has experience in both domestic affairs and diplomacy and brings a sense of stability is fit for the job. In the U.S., Vice President Kamala Harris is running for President. Some people ask me to put up a strong fight here in Japan like Vice President Harris. In this regard, I will work hard to respond to such demands and wishes, and I will make further vigorous efforts, keeping in mind that this is a critical time in the sense that Japan is on the cusp of changing.

There is talk about the recommendations from 20 party lawmakers. The number of people who have expressed support for me is far more than 20. I am now in the process of creating the final list, and I will be making efforts to this end. On this occasion, I believe it is extremely important that I continue to hold dialogues with people about their hopes for the coming future and that I explain my reasons for running. So, with clarity and heartfelt intent, I will be sharing what I have felt in the course of conducting diplomacy, and conveying that diplomacy and domestic affairs are interconnected. I will seek to leverage the active roles of young people to create a more attractive Japan. This past year, through my meetings with overseas people, I have strongly sensed that the times are changing significantly. I will work to get through this critical time by speaking about these matters candidly and openly, and by listening to everyone. This will lead to meeting the expectations placed on Japan in transitioning from an era of division and confrontation to cooperation, which is crucial not only for Japan but also for the international community. I am confident that this will also contribute to Japan’s growth and development.

Reporter: You just mentioned that Japan will change. On a more immediate topic, many of those running in the party presidential election have suggested that Diet members who were punished by the party over the slush funds affair should not be endorsed by the party in the next national election. You will be announcing your candidacy for LDP President. What are your thoughts on whether Diet members involved in the slush funds affair should be able to participate in the next national election? Additionally, while the lawmakers have been punished by the party over the slush funds affair as a formality, how do you intend to show to the public that the LDP has changed?

Minister Kamikawa: The question was about a specific matter related to the election. A major reason why I believe Japanese politics must change is that politicians need to, above all, earn the trust of the people. Without trust, politics cannot move forward and the momentum to drive to the future cannot be created. Therefore, I will be addressing issues related to politics under this principle. What is most important for us, politicians, is to maintain high transparency and be accountable in order to gain the understanding and support of the people. I will adhere to this fundamental tenet. This is the basis of politics and is the stance that I will be adopting. While there are various discussions on this issue, I am currently in the midst of diplomatic activities, and I will be sincerely addressing each topic in due course.