Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I would like to make two announcements at the outset.

First is about the situation in Myanmar. I have just issued a statement in response to yesterday’s lifting of the state of emergency in Myanmar and the announcement that general elections would be held between December of this year and January of next year.

Japan is seriously concerned that there are still no signs of improvement in Myanmar even after four and a half years since the coup d’état.

Japan believes that the recently announced general elections should be regarded as a part of the process toward restoring a democratic political system. Therefore, if general elections are held without any progress toward political advancement, this could only provoke an even stronger backlash from the people of Myanmar. Accordingly, Japan is deeply concerned that such a development would make a peaceful resolution even more difficult.

Based on this view, now that the state of emergency has been lifted, Japan will strongly urge the Myanmar military to take concrete actions to immediately halt the violence, release those who are detained, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system.

At the same time, Japan strongly urges that a ceasefire to be achieved throughout Myanmar, that its full implementation to be ensured, and that all parties will make sincere efforts toward a peaceful resolution.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: Second, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan is determined to lead in the international efforts toward a world without nuclear weapons.

As part of these efforts, we have invited to Japan Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), from August 3 and H.E. Mr. Do Hung Viet, President-designate of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), from August 4. I plan to meet with both of them, respectively. In addition, Executive Secretary Floyd is scheduled to attend the peace memorial ceremonies in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, while President-designate Viet is scheduled to attend the ceremony in Hiroshima.

Japan intends to take these invitations as an opportunity to further deepen collaboration with both parties toward a world without nuclear weapons.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Kyodo News, AYUKAWA: In connection with your opening remarks, I would like to ask about Japan’s nuclear policy. Recently, our report at Kyodo News revealed that a scenario for nuclear weapons use by U.S. forces had been discussed at the Japan-U.S. Extended Deterrence Dialogue, which covers extended nuclear deterrence. Foreign and defense officials from both governments attended the dialogue. As you just mentioned, this year marks a significant milestone related to the atomic bombings, and the Government of Japan is pursuing a world without nuclear weapons. On the other hand, in reality, Japan is dependent on the U.S. nuclear umbrella. Furthermore, considering the severe security environment in recent years, Japan has also been deepening dependence on extended deterrence, including nuclear capabilities. Under these circumstances, how does the Government of Japan intend to balance the aim of eliminating nuclear weapons with the enhancement of extended deterrence?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: I am aware of the report you referred to. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on each and every detail.

In any case, Japan intends to maintain close communication with the Government of the United States and further strengthen the credibility of U.S. extended deterrence, including nuclear deterrence, more than ever before.

I believe that efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons and efforts to strengthen the credibility of extended deterrence are not necessarily contradictory. This is because Japan, as the only country in the world to have suffered atomic bombings during war, must ultimately aim for the elimination of nuclear weapons. At the same time, regrettably, nuclear buildup continues, and Japan is surrounded by nuclear arsenals. In these circumstances, it is equally important to ensure that never again will nuclear weapons be used against Japan. For this reason, I believe these two efforts are not necessarily contradictory.

In any case, the path toward a world without nuclear weapons is, in a sense, becoming even more challenging in the current international situation. Precisely because of this, Japan, as the only country to have suffered atomic bombings during war, remains committed to taking a realistic and practical approach under the NPT regime, the only universal framework for realizing a world without nuclear weapons, while serving as a bridge between nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States and working closely with both sides.

As for the Japan-U.S. Extended Deterrence Dialogue, tabletop exercises are regularly included as one of the agenda items. I understand that a tabletop exercise was conducted during the most recent Japan-U.S. Extended Deterrence Dialogue in June 2025. However, due to the nature of the matter, I must refrain from going into details.

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: I would like to ask about your recent Foreign Ministers’ meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The Minister visited Japan on his first overseas visit. Can you once again share your thoughts on this? In addition, please tell us what discussions took place during the meeting regarding necessary undertakings and measures to further advance Japan-ROK relations.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: First of all, I would like to welcome the fact that H.E. Dr. Cho Hyun, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, chose Japan as his first overseas destination shortly after assuming office and I appreciate the Minister’s visit to Japan.

While a summit meeting has already been held once, I also value the fact that since the inauguration of the new administration of the ROK, close communication, including at the high level, has been taking place between Japan and the ROK.

At the recent Foreign Ministers’ meeting, we concurred to actively advance high-level exchanges between Japan and the ROK, what is often referred to as “shuttle diplomacy.” We also concurred on the importance of strengthening trilateral coordination among Japan, the United States, and the ROK. Furthermore, we discussed firmly engaging in the Japan-China-ROK framework given its importance in the context of the situation in this region.

In any case, we concurred on the importance of maintaining and further enhancing the current favorable Japan-ROK relationship. I intend to continue maintaining close communication with Minister Cho going forward.

Asahi Shimbun, KATO: I would like to ask about the developments regarding the diplomatic recognition of Palestine. We heard your views during the press conference on July 29. Since then, G7 members, such as the UK and Canada, have followed France in expressing their intention to recognize Palestinian statehood under certain conditions. Please share your thoughts on these developments and once again explain Japan’s position on the recognition of Palestine. In addition, while three G7 members have expressed their intention to recognize Palestine, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio has shown a critical stance on this. Please also tell us what kind of role Japan intends to play to maintain a certain level of G7 unity.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: Currently, G7 members are making various statements regarding the issue of recognizing Palestinian statehood. Japan is closely following these developments with serious concern and close attention.

As I have stated on numerous occasions, Japan consistently supports a two-state solution. Furthermore, Japan also understands the aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state and will support their efforts toward that goal. Japan’s position has not changed in this regard.

From this perspective, Japan will continue to pay close attention to the situation surrounding Palestine and the current international discussions.

At the recent international conference held in New York, Japan dispatched the Special Envoy, and together with Norway, co-chaired a thematic roundtable session on the economic self-reliance of Palestine.

With a view toward fostering peace, Japan would like to continue a comprehensive assessment of the issue of recognizing Palestinian statehood, including the appropriate timing and manner.

Indeed, I believe that the unity of the G7 is extremely important. Accordingly, Japan would like to maintain close communication on this issue with the G7 countries, including the U.S.

The question is what would be effective or what would lead to the realization of a two-state solution. These are questions that require serious consideration. Japan will carefully examine and determine what would be genuinely effective and realistic in realizing a two-state solution.

What must be decided first and foremost is how to improve the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. To that end, Japan will make utmost diplomatic efforts.

Nikkei Shimbun, BABA: I would like to ask about the Japan-U.S. negotiations on U.S. tariff measures. President Trump has signed an executive order on reciprocal tariffs, and they will take effect seven days from now. This is the result of the negotiations conducted under the leadership of Minister AKAZAWA. Please share your thoughts on it once again. In addition, the Government has explained that items that currently have a tariff rate below 15% will be uniformly subject to a 15% reciprocal tariff, while items that are already subject to a tariff rate of 15% or more will exempt from the additional tariffs. However, unlike the European Union (EU), this was not stated in the White House announcement. I would like to ask once again if the Government’s explanation is accurate. Additionally, a timeframe for the implementation of the tariffs on automobiles has not been indicated yet. Please share your understanding on this matter as well. Thank you.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: Regarding the Japan-U.S. negotiations on U.S. tariff measures, I believe that the best possible result was obtained through persistent negotiations under the current circumstances. I would like to once again pay tribute to Minister AKAZAWA, who was in charge of the negotiations, and to all the staff involved.

We understand that President Trump signed an executive order on reciprocal tariffs on July 31, U.S. time, and that Japan’s tariff rate has been set at 15%. As the announcement has just been made, its details will need to be carefully examined going forward.

For its part, the Government will continue to urge the U.S. side to swiftly take the measures to implement this agreement, including reductions in tariffs on automobiles and automobile parts, to realize the agreed 15% reciprocal tariff rate.

Under the recent agreement between Japan and the U.S., the reciprocal tariffs on Japan, which was initially set to be raised to 25%, were kept at 15%. In this regard, our understanding is that this rate will not be additionally imposed on items already subject to a tariff rate of 15% or higher, and that for items with a tariff rate of less than 15%, the total tariff will be 15%, including existing rate. Accordingly, we will urge the U.S. side to take prompt measures to implement the agreement.

Independent Web Journal, HAMAMOTO: I have a question related to Israel and Palestine, Gaza, and Japan-U.S. relations.

U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated in an interview with NBC that Israel is “going to do in Gaza what we did in Tokyo and Berlin. Take the place by force.” This is an outrageous and abusive remark against the innocent indigenous Palestinian people. During World War II, the U.S. forced Japan and Germany to surrender by force, stripped them of their political sovereignty, and U.S. occupying forces continue to be stationed in both countries. Japan, like Gaza, remains subject to U.S. abusive control and exploitation. This is evident from the tariff negotiations that you just mentioned, in which an exploitative and humiliatingly unequal agreement is being imposed upon us, forcing Japan to invest 80 trillion yen in the U.S. while the U.S. will seize 90% of the profits. Do the Government of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have no will to reject such humiliation? Please share your views with us. Thank you.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: As the Prime Minister has stated consistently from the beginning, the agreement reached between Japan and the U.S. is based on a consistent approach of focusing on investment over tariffs and I believe the agreement protects what should be protected while contributing to the national interests of both Japan and the U.S.

I gather that the U.S. sought to address all issues through tariffs and initially called on countries around the world to engage in tariff negotiation. However, Japan and the U.S. already had the Trade Agreement, and Japan had already lowered tariffs that should be lowered against the U.S. to one of the lowest levels in the world. Therefore, our basic policy for the negotiations was to build a “win-win” relationship that would generate substantial benefits for both the U.S. and Japan by focusing on investment rather than tariffs. Under this policy, we have conducted the negotiations and reached an agreement. In that sense, I think it is not accurate to describe that Japan is being exploited or usurped.

Both sides must now implement the agreement in good faith. That said, I believe it is an agreement of great significance in terms of strengthening economic security ties between Japan and the U.S. and further enhancing the Japan-U.S. relationship, and we must ensure that. Therefore, I think the points you made at the beginning do not hold true.

Kyodo News, AYUKAWA: I would like to follow up on the question asked earlier by Yomiuri Shimbun concerning your meeting with the ROK Foreign Minister. You mentioned earlier that the two sides also discussed the importance of the Japan-China-ROK framework. This year, Japan chairs the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit. Now it’s August and given that Japan hosted the Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting back in March, I believe the next step would be the Trilateral Summit. This time, it was only a bilateral meeting between Japan and the ROK. Can you tell us about any timelines or prospects of holding the Trilateral Summit?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: Under the Japan-China-ROK framework, a Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held a while ago. Now that the new ROK Foreign Minister has been appointed, we discussed getting the foreign ministers together as soon as possible. In any case, we need to coordinate the schedule for the Trilateral Summit. The date has not been decided yet. Considering each country’s domestic circumstances, we intend to coordinate closely and realize the Trilateral Summit at an appropriate time.

Mainichi Shimbun, TADOKORO: I have a question about the way the U.S. announced the tariffs. It was this morning, Japan time, when we found out that the new 15% tariff rate for Japan would be applied from August 7. It is likely that some Japanese companies rushed to export goods by the end of July to get benefit of the 10% rate. However, it turns out that the new rate will take effect a week later only today, and it may have caused confusion among Japanese companies. How do you assess the way the U.S. side made this announcement?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: Japan has consistently called on the U.S. side to bring the agreement into force in good faith and as quickly as possible. This is just a speculation, but I suspect that the work to conclude tariff negotiations not only with Japan but also with all other countries and bring the tariff rates into force through an executive order may not necessarily proceed smoothly. That is my guess. Nevertheless, predictability is critical for businesses, and Japan will continue to step up its efforts to urge the U.S. to swiftly bring the agreement into force.