Press Conferences

Foreign Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro: I have one announcement on the exhibition hosted by the Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

This year, 2025, marks the 80th year since the end of WWII and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. To commemorate this, the Diplomatic Archives will be hosting a special exhibition titled “Japan’s Orientation as a Peace-Loving Nation” from October 31 through January 15 of next year.

Postwar Japan accepted the San Francisco Peace Treaty and formally took its first step towards rejoining the international community. This special exhibition reflects on Japan's journey as a peaceful nation through relevant historical documents in the Diplomatic Archives’ collection.

Specifically, we will exhibit valuable historical materials, including the original manuscript of Prime Minister YOSHIDA Shigeru’s acceptance speech for the San Francisco Peace Treaty and the original text of the draft resolution on Japan’s accession to the United Nations. Admission is free, so we hope you will visit the Diplomatic Archives Exhibition Room located in Azabudai, Tokyo.

That concludes my opening remarks.

NHK, TACHIMACHI: There was a report earlier on television that Russia has notified Japan of a temporary suspension of the right of innocent passage in the waters surrounding the Northern Territories. Please tell us about the facts concerning this report and the Government’s response.

Press Secretary KITAMURA: Regarding your question, we are aware that on October 13, the Russian hydrographic authorities issued a navigational warning to temporarily suspend the innocent passage of foreign warships and foreign government vessels in waters, including Japan’s territorial waters, surrounding the Four Northern Islands, from 3:00 a.m. on October 13 through 6:00 p.m. on October 20, Japan time. In response, on the same day, October 13, we lodged a protest with the Russian side through diplomatic channels, stating that Russia’s temporary suspension of innocent passage of foreign vessels in Japan’s territorial waters surrounding the Four Northern Islands goes against Japan’s position on the Four Northern Islands and is unacceptable.

NHK, TACHIMACHI: Through which channel was the protest lodged?

Press Secretary KITAMURA: On the aforementioned October 13, the Director of the Russia Division of the European Affairs Bureau of MOFA lodged the protest with a Counsellor at the Russian Embassy in Tokyo.

NHK, TACHIMACHI: Was there any explanation from the Russian side?

Press Secretary KITAMURA: As this is diplomatic communication, I would like to refrain from disclosing the details here. However, as we have stated, Russia’s actions and measures this time go against Japan’s position on the Four Northern Islands and are unacceptable. This is what the Government has lodged a protest against.