Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have an announcement at the outset.

Yesterday, Judge IWASAWA Yuji, a Japanese Member of the ICJ, was elected as President of the ICJ in the election to the presiding of the Court, which was held in the ICJ, the Hague, Netherlands.

I have issued a Statement by Foreign Minister in which I express my congratulations.

The ICJ is the most authoritative judicial organ in the international community. The role is becoming increasingly important in the peaceful settlement of international disputes as well as the maintenance and strengthening of the rule of law in the international community.

The Government of Japan expects Judge Iwasawa to play an even greater role as the President of the Court, and is determined to continue its cooperation for the development of the ICJ and to actively contribute to the promotion of the rule of law.

That is all from me at the outset.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: I would like to ask about the Russian Government’s sanctions.

Minister Iwaya: The Russian Government’s?

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: The Government of Russia has banned nine members of the Japanese Government and companies from entering Russia. You are one of them. First of all, please share with us your thoughts on this measure. In addition, Prime Minister Kishida has also been banned in the past. This time, however, Prime Minister Ishiba was not targeted. What is your view on this? Lastly, in your foreign policy speech at the beginning of this year, you mentioned that the resumption of the Northern Territories Exchange and Visit Program was one of your top priorities. I would also like to ask about your view on the impact of the Russian measure, especially on the resumption of visits to the Northern Territories graves.

Minister Iwaya: We understand the Russian side has explained that the measure you referred to was taken in response to Japan’s sanction measures. However, the measures taken by Japan are entirely the result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. As such, it is completely unacceptable for Russia to shift the responsibility onto Japan. We will be firmly expressing our regret in the near future.

Furthermore, Japan-Russia relations are currently facing a difficult situation, and there are numerous pending issues that must be resolved, particularly between diplomatic authorities. Therefore, it is essential to communicate with Russia, and Japan has repeatedly made this evident. From this perspective as well, it is deeply regrettable that I have been banned from entering Russia.

In any case, Japan will respond to the situation by working closely with the G7 and the broader international community, considering what would be effective for achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Additionally, we will continue to maintain communication with the Russian side, also from the standpoint of appropriately managing Japan-Russia relations.

Notably, the resumption of the Northern Territories Exchange and Visit Program is one of our top priorities. The Government must respond to the earnest wishes of the former island residents who have advanced in age. We will thus continue to strongly urge the Russian side to resume the program, with focus on visits to the Northern Territories graves.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: U.S. President Trump has instructed a temporary suspension of military support for Ukraine. First, I would like to ask for your thoughts on this matter. In addition, the latest developments between the U.S. and Ukraine are not a distant issue for Japan, for which the U.S. extended deterrence is indispensable in the severe security environment in East Asia. How does Japan intend to address this uncertainty surrounding U.S. security policy?

Minister Iwaya: We are aware of the reports you are referring to.

As you know, various developments surrounding Ukraine are continuing to unfold in the international community. The Government is closely following them with great interest. As the situation is still fluid, at this time I would like to refrain from commenting based on speculation. I believe it is still premature to do so.

In any case, we recognize that the international community is now pooling its wisdom together to navigate the highly challenging task of achieving peace.

It is essential that the relevant parties align their visions and continue their ceaseless efforts toward the realization of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible. As Prime Minister Ishiba also stated, diplomacy requires patience and empathy. Therefore, it is important to make persistent efforts to converge different opinions. Japan intends to steadfastly play a role.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Uemura: The meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy broke down. Subsequently, the UK and Germany announced additional support measures for Ukraine. Please share with us your view on the U.S.-Ukraine Summit Meeting. Additionally, will the Government of Japan be continuing its support for Ukraine? If so, how large will this assistance be? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: While it is regrettable that the recent discussion between the U.S. and Ukraine transpired as it did, I am not necessarily discouraged. As I mentioned earlier, navigating peace is not an easy path, and I view the meeting as a part of this process.

It is a fact that there has been a turn of events in the stalemate, thanks to the U.S. initiative. The international community must come together to ensure that these efforts materialize into a positive outcome. As I stated earlier, it is important to make persistent efforts to continue dialogue, with both patience and empathy, and Japan intends to fully play a role.

At the upcoming G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, I expect that the Ukraine issue will also be one of the main themes, and I intend to engage in thorough discussions on that occasion.

Regarding Japan’s future support for Ukraine, we plan to continue our initiatives in various fields in close coordination with the international community. On the size of this support, we will also be considering it in close coordination with the international community and in light of Ukrainian needs.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: I would like to ask about the U.S. tariff measures. On March 4, local time, President Trump has said that higher tariffs would be imposed for three countries: Mexico, Canada, and China. If these tariffs are enacted, they will inevitably impact Japanese automakers and other industries with operations in these countries. Could you tell us your view on what impacts you expect on the Japanese economy, and what Japan’s approach will be to the U.S.?

Minister Iwaya: We are aware of the announcement you referred to made by President Trump, or rather, the U.S.

Japan will continue to carefully examine the impact on Japan of the measures, and will take necessary responses.

I am aware that Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Muto will visit the U.S. and hold discussions with his counterparts in the near future, provided that the Diet’s approval is obtained. It is essential that the discussions lead to a win-win situation for both Japanese national interests and U.S. national interests, and I understand that arrangements are now being made in this direction.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: I have a question on the policy toward Ukraine, which came up earlier. Following the breakdown of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, it seems that European countries will further expand their support for Ukraine through a coalition of the willing. Will Japan follow in Europe’s footsteps and increase its support? Increasing support for Ukraine, which is funded by taxpayers’ money, will require an explanation that the public finds convincing. I believe it is also necessary to investigate the uses of the funds that have been provided to Ukraine to date and confirm whether there have been any kickbacks or unaccounted expenditures. Please share your thoughts.

Minister Iwaya: The developments currently unfolding in Europe in relation to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine are by no means a distant issue.
In that sense, based on the view that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region including Asia is inseparable, Japan has been addressing this matter with a strong sense of crisis that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force should not be tolerated anywhere in the world. Japan has also supported Ukraine, and promoted sanctions against Russia, based on this view.

As I stated earlier, Japan’s future support for Ukraine will be considered based on discussions to be held with relevant countries and in view of Ukrainian needs. Meanwhile, as you stated, it is essential that we make efforts to explain to the people the significance of Japan’s support. This press conference is one such opportunity and the discussions at the Diet are another. I intend to use various forums and opportunities to provide detailed explanations, and I will make every possible effort to do so.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Uemura: Regarding a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, a proposal is being floated in which European countries would deploy troops to monitor the ceasefire. In fact, President Macron of France has proposed a ceasefire in which Russia and Ukraine would cease hostilities at sea and in airspace for a month, and then, after extending the ceasefire to land, a peacekeeping force formed by European countries would be stationed in Ukraine. Is there a possibility that Japan will participate in such a ceasefire proposal?

Minister Iwaya: As I have been stating earlier, various developments are continuing to unfold in the international community to achieve peace in Ukraine. We are gathering information and closely following these developments with great interest.

There are some reports that a proposal is being finalized under the leadership of the UK and France. It has also been said that this proposal will be presented to the U.S. side for discussion. As the situation is still fluid, I believe it is a little premature to answer to individual specific aspects of these discussions and to hypothetical questions, including one on the ceasefire monitoring force you just mentioned.

It is important that the international community works together toward peace without division or confrontation, and by bringing together and converging different opinions. To this end, Japan will make every possible effort and play its role.

TBS, Osaki: Changing subjects, I would like to ask about Japan-ROK relations. On March 1, in the ROK, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is performing the duties of President Yoon on his behalf, delivered an address at the March First Independence Movement Day Ceremony. In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Choi talked about healing past wounds and opening a new chapter this year, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-ROK relations. He also reiterated the ROK’s stance of refraining from criticizing Japan over issues of history and prioritizing the bilateral relationship. Could you share your thoughts on his address?

Minister Iwaya: I met with Acting President Choi Sang-mok of the ROK during my visit to the country. We are aware of and appreciate his recent address, in which Acting President Choi expressed his expectations toward opening a new chapter in Japan-ROK relations on the 60th anniversary of their normalization, and mentioned the need for Japan and the ROK to work together in response to the current international situation.

Both Japan and the ROK are important neighbors that should work as partners on challenges in the international community. In light of the current strategic environment and international situation, the importance of Japan-ROK relations remains unchanged and is even increasing.

With this recognition, I believe the two countries need to cooperate in addressing various issues. We will continue to maintain close communication with the Government of ROK, including efforts related to the 60th anniversary of the normalization of the relations.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: Today, I would like to ask again about the written question and the Government’s written answer on the missing records of Japan-North Korea negotiations, that I also asked at a previous press conference. As of February 4, the Government responded that it would like to refrain from answering whether the records exist or not, citing concerns that it could hinder future Japan-North Korea consultations. On the other hand, in the written answer, which was approved by the Cabinet today, the Government acknowledged that the records do not exist, citing answers given at the Diet by Prime Minister Abe and Foreign Minister Kishida. With this in mind, I would like to ask the following. I assume that the nonexistence of these records itself poses as an obstacle to future Japan-North Korea consultations. It also makes it difficult for the current Government to take over the consultations. What is your view on the fact that these records do not exist? Will you be looking into the causes or reasons why these records were not kept? It would be faster to ask Mr. TANAKA Hitoshi, then-Director General of the Asian and Oceanian Bureau who was party to the negotiations, about what kind of negotiations were conducted, or to ask him to submit the records. Please tell us if the Government plans to take such measures.

Minister Iwaya: Regarding the written answer to the written question you referred to, the Cabinet approved this written answer, stating to the effect that records from the Japan-North Korea negotiations do not exist, as was answered at the Diet by then-Prime Minister Abe and then-Foreign Minister Kishida. As I mentioned before, of course, a written answer that has been approved by the Cabinet is important. Meanwhile, the fact that answers were given by a sitting Prime Minister or Foreign Minister in the Diet, is also important. As such situations coexisted, we organized the situations at this time.

The previous written question asked whether records from Japan-North Korea negotiations existed or not. A written question in the past asked a similar question, and a written answer was provided upon the Cabinet’s approval. Based on this written answer, the Cabinet approved the previous written answer, stating to the effect that the Government would like to refrain from responding as it may hinder future Japan-North Korea consultations.

In the latest written question you referred to, we carefully considered the content of the question and the submitter’s awareness of the issue. As a result, we understood that the question asked about records from the Japan-North Korea negotiations that then-Prime Minister Abe and then-Foreign Minister Kishida answered “do not exist” in the Diet. In line with these answers, we carefully explained in our written answer that such records do not exist.

As the nonexistence of these records has already been confirmed, the Government would like to refrain from disclosing further details on their content. In this sense, we do not intend to confirm their existence once again, including conducting hearings with former Director General Tanaka.