Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have been visiting India since yesterday and have just concluded the third Japan-India 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting and the 17th Japan-India Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” between Japan and India. As the international situation becomes increasingly severe, Japan and India, both democratic nations sharing common values, are expected to contribute more than ever before to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and by extension, the rest of the world as partners that “co-create” new solutions. From this perspective, I went into this 2+2 meeting focusing on two points: First, deepening cooperation toward realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP);” and second, confirming the specific direction of our bilateral security and defense cooperation.

First, for deepening cooperation toward realizing FOIP, we had a frank discussion on the situations in the East and South China Seas, North Korea, and South Asia, as well as the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. On these regions, we were able to share our view of the strategic environment and confirmed the strengthening of our coordination. On this basis, we affirmed our opposition to any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force, and our commitment to maintaining and strengthening the international order based on the rule of law.

Regarding security and defense cooperation, Japan views that strengthening security relations with India, a representative of the Global South that shares common values and principles with Japan, contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Based on such recognition, and in light of the recent changes in the international situation, we concurred to revise the 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation in order to seek to further advance our security and defense cooperation. In addition, we confirmed the further promotion of defense equipment and technology cooperation, including early transfer of the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN). Furthermore, Japan and India confirmed the importance of Women, Peace and Security (WPS), which I have prioritized and promoted since I was appointed as Foreign Minister.

At the Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar and I had a frank and meaningful discussion on international affairs from a broad perspective. We also confirmed our cooperation in the areas of economic development and people-to-people exchanges and discussed issues facing the international community, including United Nations Security Council reform. Regarding economic relations, yesterday, I had the opportunity to hear directly from representatives of Japanese companies about various challenges and difficulties they face in India. In response to these discussions, Minister Jaishankar and I also concurred on the importance of strengthening human resource development and exchanges to enhance Japan-India economic cooperation. We have appointed officials in charge of cross-border economic affairs at the Embassy of Japan in India and other diplomatic missions to support Japanese companies in expanding their operations to third-country markets based in India. Hearing from Japanese company representatives has made me realize anew that there is significant potential in expanding businesses to Africa and other markets.

Additionally, today, I also had the opportunity to hear from Japanese women engaged in business and education in India. They shared many concrete ideas and suggestions on how India’s vitality can be incorporated into Japan and how Japan and India can learn from each other to pave the way to prosperity. I was deeply impressed by their energetic spirit. I saw India’s dynamism and potential firsthand, and I reaffirmed my commitment to incorporate India’s vitality into Japan. While utilizing the outcomes of this visit to India, I will work to further strengthen our relationship with India and advance diplomacy aimed at peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. That is all from me.

Reporter: I would like to ask two questions about your visit to India. Please explain the significance of revising the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation as confirmed at the 2+2. Second, was any progress made on Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan by the end of the year for the signing of the Joint Declaration?

Minister Kamikawa: India is a representative of the Global South. We view that strengthening security cooperation with India, which shares common values and principles with Japan, contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The Japan-India Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation was issued in 2008. Since then, the international situation has become increasingly severe. In light of these changes, we concurred to revise the Joint Declaration on bilateral security cooperation this time, to reflect various important and current security issues, and be responsive to challenges facing the two countries. It is essential that the Joint Declaration is revised to fully reflect the progress of Japan-India security and defense cooperation over these years and set out a direction for future cooperation. Japan intends to work closely with India and deepen the dialogue.

Regarding your second question about Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan, during this discussion, the two countries concurred to prepare thoroughly for Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan under the framework of the annual mutual visit. The specific dates remain to be set; we hope to make Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan an opportunity to further elevate the relationship between Japan and India.

Reporter: What do you wish to work on as Prime Minister and party president? Please tell us about the reason that you consider yourself suitable for Prime Minister and party president. I believe your strengths are in areas such as diplomacy, women’s empowerment, and constitutional matters. What approach do you think is necessary to improve Japan’s economy?

Minister Kamikawa: As I have this opportunity, I would like to share my views. Even before I became Minister of Justice, I recognized that when the junior baby boomer generation reaches the age of 65, the population aged 65 and over will make up approximately 35% of the total population. This is referred to as the “2040 problem,” or the 2040 crisis, and I have been addressing this issue with great concern. The society is facing a decreasing population with a declining birthrate and an aging population. Various social issues may arise in this situation. For example, there may be a shortage of labor—personnel shortages in the fields of medical care and nursing care. Additionally, the economy itself may shrink. These issues may escalate and turn into a social problem. This is collectively called the “2040 problem,” meaning, by 2040, the situation could become critical, irreparable, and irreversible. Alarm bells have been set off on such a situation.

My generation witnessed Japan’s rapid economic growth and lived through the period when the country was in its glory. However, we are also the generation that saw Japan lose its luster in the world after the burst of the bubble economy. As one of this generation, I myself have felt compelled to ask whether politics have adequately confronted these alarm bells and the various numerical figures that have been presented for 2040, before the situation becomes very severe and ridden with crisis, as I mentioned earlier. If you ask me whether a policy package to solve all of these challenges has been put forward in the meantime, I would say this has been difficult. And here we are today. I have always believed that we must undertake social and structural reforms with a new approach, rather than sitting idly and waiting for 2040, leaving the severe crisis unaddressed.

Regarding Japan in the current global landscape, and in being appointed as Foreign Minister, I have dedicated myself to diplomacy over this past year based on three fundamental diplomatic principles I have set out. The first is, of course, protecting Japan’s national interests. The second is enhancing Japan’s presence in the international community. The third is aiming for diplomacy that is understood and supported by the people. In this context, I strongly sense there is a great deal of respect and expectations for Japan. When I reflect on why this is the case today, I believe it is because, over the past 80 years, Japan has consistently pursued peaceful diplomacy and has worked hard and contributed, for example to development assistance, humanitarian assistance, and measures against the rapidly deepening issue of climate change. I have strongly felt this in various diplomatic settings.

Against this backdrop, the entire international community is now in a state of confrontation and division, and expectations for Japan are even higher. However, at the same time, as Japan’s economic power weakens, and moreover, as China overtakes us, it seems Japan’s presence is losing the brilliance it once had. I have visited a total of 43 countries and organizations around the world, where I met with leaders and foreign ministers. I have also seen them contemplating how best to address these changes in a world that is increasingly divided.

Amidst these circumstances, my overall stance has been to enhance Japan’s presence and conduct diplomacy that Japan can be proud of and is supported by its people. However, as for whether Japan can eternally fulfill its expected role, I believe this requires reforming Japan with a broad mindset. On the other hand, as I reported earlier, I met with some young Japanese women in India today. While the younger generation is often referred to as inward-looking, those who have ventured abroad are full of energy and life. Today, I asked them whether they would like to eventually return to Japan. I had opportunities to ask similar questions in Asia and Africa. The responses I received suggested that they were not enthusiastic about returning to Japan. Rather, they seemed to show a stronger inclination to continue working around the world.

I believe this begs the question, is Japan an attractive country or not? I want Japan to be a country that people want to return to, a country that is attractive, and Japan must be such a country. We must create a country that is appealing—one that leaves no one behind and is diverse and inclusive. Japan must be a country where young people want to return to and want to work, a country where they can be active with excitement and hope. I believe such nation-building is also an important role in politics.

In this context, I have introduced three new pillars of diplomacy. The first is supporting the active participation of women and youth. The second is economic frontier diplomacy. The third is positioning not only Japan as a whole but also its attractive local areas as one of the new pillars of diplomacy. By doing so, I believe we can drive Japan to become more dynamic. I will gather various opinions on such aspects and work toward the realization of these ideas.

Diplomacy and domestic affairs are closely intertwined. Confidence in domestic affairs and the support and trust of the people, combined with achievements, are what enable the true value of diplomacy. As I mentioned earlier, I have visited 43 countries in total. As the world undergoes significant changes, I have seen their leaders struggling in the face of difficulties. In such a challenging international environment, I have been considered that I myself need to think hard about how Japan can continue to maintain presence and play a role with confidence and with the support of the people.

There was a question about the party presidential election. The party presidential election offers an excellent opportunity to exchange views with the people on various issues and challenges. Of course I talk with my local constituents, however, unless I have this kind of opportunity, it is difficult, both physically and in terms of my role, to have conversations with people across the country facing various regional issues and challenges. The party’s presidential election offers a chance to discuss with each other about matters concerning the entire nation, local communities, and the future. I have decided to enter the election, and in this process, I intend to do my utmost to create an attractive Japan where no one is left behind.

If I may say one last thing, after I was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time, I had the valuable opportunity to serve as the person responsible for creating a policy pamphlet for the Kochikai faction. I chose the title, “Speaking the Truth as It Is.” In the pamphlet, I set up the concept of “participatory democracy.” During the party presidential election, I will have a significant opportunity to speak the truth as it is and to implement participatory democracy by engaging in dialogues as much as possible. As a politician, I decided to plunge into the election campaign, believing that now is the time that we need nation-building with new ideas. Your question touched on various issues, I hope my response conveyed my basic views.