Press Conferences

Mr. KITAMURA Toshihiro, Press Secretary: At the outset, I have an announcement about the “Children’s Kasumigaseki Tour Day.” It will be held for elementary and junior high school students at various government ministries and agencies in Kasumigaseki on August 6 and7. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will also organize a variety of programs.

Specifically, MOFA will host a “MOFA Visit Program” featuring quiz activities and other events. Additionally, there will be a lecture by “Sakana-kun,” an event by the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Team that actually worked in the affected areas during the Myanmar earthquake in March, and mini-lectures at the Diplomatic Archives, among others.

Furthermore, MOFA-affiliated organizations including the Japan Foundation, the JICA Global Plaza, and foreign institutions such as the Institut français du Japon à Tokyo, the Embassy of Brazil in Japan, the United Nations University, the Liszt Institute - Hungarian Cultural Center, and the ASEAN-Japan Centre will host various programs. We believe that, through these diverse programs, this will be a valuable opportunity for children, who will lead the next generation, to gain first-hand exposure to foreign cultures and Japanese diplomacy while learning in an enjoyable way.

The application deadline for the programs MOFA host is July 22, next Tuesday. We do hope many elementary and junior high school students will participate. Please refer to the MOFA website for details about each program.

Nikkei Shimbun, BABA: I would like to ask about possible foreign interference in the House of Councillors election. Some experts and party leaders have pointed out that Russian election interference has expanded in this House of Councillors election. I understand that MOFA has been strengthening its countermeasures, including efforts to counter disinformation. Does the government have any plans to investigate issues surrounding this House of Councillors election?

Press Secretary KITAMURA: Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary AOKI addressed the government’s position and efforts on this matter at his press conference this morning. Therefore, I would like to explain MOFA’s assessment and position.

First, regarding our current recognition, as Foreign Minister IWAYA has previously explained at press conferences, we recognize that geopolitical competition is now intensifying. In the current internet-based society, information warfare is constantly being waged through foreign information manipulation. Under these circumstances, MOFA is gathering and analyzing information on cyberspace activities related to Japan’s key policies, making use of AI and other tools, and based on the findings, we are striving to conduct strategic external communication in a timely and appropriate manner.

Moreover, many other countries are also becoming increasingly concerned about this issue of foreign information manipulation. Japan has been conducting information sharing and consultations to strengthen capabilities to respond to foreign information manipulation within international multilateral frameworks such as the G7, as well as within bilateral frameworks with countries such as the United States.

MOFA will continue to pay close attention to foreign information manipulation and take necessary measures, while working closely with relevant ministries and agencies.

Mainichi Shimbun, TADOKORO: In China, a sentence of 3 years and 6 months’ imprisonment has been handed down to a male employee, allegedly of Astellas Pharma. I understand that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) made various requests to the Chinese Embassy in Japan, including ensuring transparency in judicial processes. Could you please tell us your views on the content of this sentence and Japan’s future response?

Press Secretary KITAMURA: Regarding the matter you have just asked about, I understand that Ambassador KANASUGI to China has already made a statement in Beijing today. Today, July 16, a sentencing hearing was held at the Beijing Second Intermediate People’s Court for the Japanese national who was detained in March 2023, and as you mentioned, he was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months’ imprisonment for conducting espionage activities.

Regarding this case and a series of cases of Japanese nationals being detained, we have been requesting early release of Japanese nationals through various channels, including at the leaders’ and foreign ministers’ levels. We consider it extremely regrettable that a guilty verdict was handed down against the Japanese national.

In response to this sentence, as mentioned in your question, we have once again strongly requested the Chinese side to secure the early release of this Japanese national and other detained Japanese nationals, the guarantee of their legitimate rights and humanitarian treatment during detention, and enhancement of transparency in judicial processes.

Protecting Japanese nationals traveling and staying overseas is one of the most important responsibilities of the Japanese government. Furthermore, the cases of detention of Japanese nationals in China are one of the biggest obstacles to improving people-to-people exchanges and national sentiment between Japan and China. The government will continue to strongly call for the enhancement of transparency in judicial procedures and the early release of detained Japanese nationals at various levels, while continuing to provide maximum possible support to this Japanese national from the perspective of protecting Japanese nationals.

Kyodo News, AYUKAWA: I would like to follow up on the previous question. I understand that the Japanese Ambassador to China and embassy staff attended the sentencing hearing. Could you please tell us what information you have regarding the charges this person faced? Also, concerning the transparency in judicial processes mentioned earlier, what specific aspects does Japan view as problematic?

Press Secretary KITAMURA: As you mentioned, Ambassador KANASUGI to China and officials from the Embassy of Japan in China attended this trial. While I understand that the content of the verdict has not been publicly announced by the Chinese side, based on what was observed during the hearing, as the Japanese government, Ambassador KANASUGI has confirmed that this Japanese national was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months’ imprisonment for conducting espionage activities.

As we understand, this trial was not open to the press and media, and various explanations concerning the reasons for a series of detentions have not been made publicly available at the same level as would be the case in Japan. Therefore, in response to such series of actions by the Chinese side, Japan has once again strongly requested improved transparency in trials and enhancement of transparency in judicial processes.