Press Conferences

Press Secretary Kitamura: I would like to introduce the exhibition related to diplomacy at the outset.

From November 2 to December 1, the Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan, in collaboration with the Komura Jutaro Memorial Hall in Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture, will host an exhibition titled “Komura Jutaro and the Treaty of Portsmouth.”

This year marks the 120th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese War. The Diplomatic Archives preserves the signed document of Treaty of Portsmouth, which is the peace treaty of the 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese War, and the Russian side’s instrument of ratification. Originals of the two documents were sent to Obi, Nichinan City, which is the birthplace of former Foreign Minister Komura, and will be on display at Komura Jutaro Memorial Hall during the exhibition.

That is all from me.

Jiji Press, Murakami: I would like to ask about the concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The committee submitted the concluding observations to the Government of Japan, and I think the contents seem quite harsh. In particular, comments were written in the observation that the Government of Japan has taken no steps related to past recommendations on a system for allowing married couples to adopt separate surnames of their own accord, or on discrimination against children born out of wedlock.

I understand the Government has made efforts on these matters, such as a system to indicate an alternative surname, and some consider that the Government has been unable to properly convey its various efforts made in the more than eight years since the previous concluding observations of the committee. Please tell us about the Government’s initiatives on that point.

Press Secretary Kitamura: As you pointed out, on October 29, the CEDAW published concluding observations on the ninth periodic report concerning the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Japan will thoroughly consider the recommendations, including those you mentioned on the matter of separate surnames for married couples, and will address this appropriately as necessary.

Regarding surnames of married couples, at the periodic reports of the committee held on October 17, the Government explained that as there are various opinions of the public, the matter requires further consideration based on the opinions of the public from all levels and the direction of deliberations in the Diet.

In addition, speaking in general terms, the members of the CEDAW have been restricted their contact with interested parties so that they can carry out their duties based on the principles of independence and impartiality. Therefore, the committee members may not be approached in advance by State parties, and the Government of State parties are also required to refrain from such action.

The Government of Japan has clearly expressed Japan’s position in written form beforehand, and has provided explanations to relevant parties through various occasions in appropriate manners, while taking into account the neutrality and independence of the committee members.

In any case, although the matter of separate surnames for married couples is outside MOFA’s jurisdiction, as the Chief Cabinet Secretary said at his press conference today, we believe that it will be addressed appropriately, based thoroughly on the contents of the committee’s concluding observations, and on the various opinions of the public from all levels and deliberations in the Diet.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kuriyama: The committee of UN urged amendments to the Imperial House Law. Could you explain your view on this and whether the Government of Japan made any necessary counterargument or otherwise?

Press Secretary Kitamura: The concluding observations you referred to do not include descriptions reflected in explanations provided by the Government of Japan in the periodic reports, including the matter of the Imperial House Law, and they include contents that are not based on objective facts.

The Government considers it deeply regrettable that the committee published these concluding observations, and on October 29, the Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva reiterated our regret to the UN and lodged strong protests.