Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: First, I have an announcement.

Today, we are holding a Public-Private Joint Practical Training for Counter-Terrorism and Anti-Kidnapping Measures. Approximately 100 people, mainly participants from companies, joined by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) personnel, are conducting practical training at Mita Kaigisho.

Based on the lessons learned from the terrorist attack in Dhaka in 2016, in which relevant parties of a Japanese company were among the victims, this training has been held since 2018 aimed at strengthening the overseas safety measures of Japanese companies.

Needless to say, the overseas operations of companies are founded on safety measures. Even this year, armed conflicts and terrorist incidents have occurred frequently across the globe, and regrettably, there have been incidents involving Japanese nationals. In this context, MOFA considers it important to support the overseas expansion of Japanese companies in safety aspects as well. We expect that this training will contribute to that effort.

That is all from me.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I would like to ask about the Extended Deterrence Dialogue. It was held from December 10 to 12. Prime Minister Ishiba has significant interest in extended deterrence, advocating for mechanisms that would allow for Japan’s involvement in the decision-making process for the U.S. use of nuclear weapons. How do you assess the holding of this dialogue under the Ishiba administration or before the next U.S. Trump administration takes office? Additionally, what are your expectations for the discussions going forward?

Minister Iwaya: As I have always stated, the security environment surrounding Japan is the severest it has been since the end of World War II and Japan is, in a sense, surrounded by nuclear-armed states. In addition, very regrettably, there has been a buildup of nuclear weapons, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Among the nuclear-armed states, there are countries that are beginning to hint at or threaten the use of nuclear weapons. Under these circumstances, we have to and should strengthen the effectiveness or resilience of extended deterrence to fully address these threats. Based on this view, as you indicated, Japan hosted the Japan-U.S. Extended Deterrence Dialogue at MOFA from December 10 to 12.

At this dialogue, the two sides deepened discussion on matters including how to increase deterrence capabilities through nuclear and conventional capabilities, how to issue deterrence messaging during peacetime and contingencies, how to coordinate escalation management—how to control or coordinate what is often referred to as the escalation ladder—and on bilateral coordination in all situations. The two sides also shared views on the roles played by arms control, nonproliferation, among other efforts.

While I cannot provide any further details due to the nature of this matter, we intend to continue maintaining and strengthening the credibility of extended deterrence through consultations at various levels, including the Japan-U.S. Extended Deterrence Dialogue and opportunities such as the ministerial meeting on extended deterrence held in July.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: I have a question on the situation in the ROK. A re-vote for the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol is expected to take place as early as December 14. Ruling party leader Han has expressed support for the motion, and some ruling party lawmakers have already indicated their intention to vote in favor of the motion, making its approval increasingly likely. What are your thoughts on the current situation? In addition, I believe extended deterrence is being threatened by the DPRK, Russia, and China in the periphery of Japan, and threats continue to exist. Please share with us your analysis of how the turmoil in the ROK will affect security.

Minister Iwaya: I am aware that a vote for the impeachment motion is scheduled for the 14th. Frankly, how the motion will unfold is unpredictable.

As this concerns the internal affairs of another country, I would like to refrain from making any further comments. The government of Japan will continue to pay close attention to the situation in the ROK with serious and particular concern.

That being said, we hope that stability returns to the ROK political situation as soon as possible. In any case, there is no change that the ROK remains an important neighboring country with which we should work together to address various challenges. The day before yesterday, during my telephone talks with the ROK Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, we reconfirmed to continue to secure close coordination among Japan, the ROK and the U.S., bilaterally and trilaterally, despite complicating situations.

Amid an extremely severe environment surrounding Japan, we aim to carefully build up multilayered and multifaceted coordination, not only with the ROK and the U.S. bilaterally and trilaterally, but also with like-minded countries such as Australia and India. Through these efforts, we will strengthen deterrence and response capabilities and continue to fully maintain the peace and stability of the region by persistent diplomatic dialogue.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: Could we see your shikishi paper with the kanji of the year you have selected, which we requested?

Minister Iwaya: I thought I would be asked this question, so I wrote it down. My kanji for this year is this, “震” (shin). The Noto Peninsula Earthquake (地震) occurred at the very start of this year on New Year’s Day. One of the main purposes of the latest supplementary budget is the reconstruction of Noto. I hope that no such disasters occur next year, and that it will be a calm year.

Furthermore, it has been a year of continued turbulence (激震), both domestically and internationally. Internationally, needless to say, there have been the situations in Ukraine, Gaza, the latest situation in the ROK, and Syria. In the U.S., the establishment of a new administration was decided.

Domestically, the Ishiba administration was launched. However, we received a harsh judgment in the elections, and we have become a minority ruling party. I chose this character as this year has been marked by such domestic and international turbulence (激震). I will work hard and must ensure that the “震” in “激震,” meaning upheavals, will subside next year, and that it will be a calm, stable, peaceful, and fruitful year. It is with this determination that I have chosen this character.