Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I was visiting the Middle East, the Philippines, and India until the day before yesterday, so it has been sometime since my last press conference. Thank you for being here today.

I have no particular announcement to make today. I will be happy to take your questions.

Hokkaido Shimbun, MURAKAMI: I would like to ask about the U.S. administration. January 20 marks one year since the inauguration of the second Trump administration. With the dissolution and the general elections of the House of Representatives looming, I understand that there is nothing definitive about the future framework of the government. However, as Minister, how do you think Japan should proceed with its diplomacy toward the United States going forward, and what do you consider to be the key points of that diplomacy? Secondly, Japan has been holding consultations with the U.S. about investment in the U.S. under the tariff agreement. How do you respond to the concerns about the profitability of these investments? Thirdly, Prime Minister TAKAICHI is scheduled to visit the U.S. this spring. Does the Japanese side intend to have any investment projects lined up ahead of that visit? Please share the current status of the consideration.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The security environment surrounding Japan is becoming increasingly severe, and the international situation, particularly in Ukraine, the Middle East, and also in parts of Latin America, is growing ever more complex.

Under these circumstances, we believe that the U.S. to play an indispensable role in efforts toward the realization of peace, including in the Middle East, which I have just visited, as well as in Ukraine and other regions.

It will soon mark one year since the launch of the second Trump administration. I am once again keenly aware of the importance of cooperation with the U.S. for ensuring peace and stability in Japan and the region, as well as for addressing the challenges facing the international community.

For this very reason, it is essential that allies continue to engage in frank exchanges of views and steadily build cooperation. Through such efforts, we can further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance, which is the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign and security policy, and encourage U.S. to maintain its continued commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and its constructive engagement in the international community.

Regarding U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific, I raised this issue both in India and the Philippines, and we concurred on working together to secure the U.S.’s commitment.

We expect that Prime Minister TAKAICHI’s visit to the U.S., which is currently being arranged for this coming spring, will be an important occasion. At the first summit meeting last October, I believe that a strong relationship of trust was established between the two leaders in a cordial atmosphere. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will proceed with the preparations to ensure that the visit is meaningful, one in which the Japanese and U.S. leaders reaffirm their unwavering solidarity, further advance cooperation in wide-ranging areas, including diplomacy, the economy, security, economic security, rare earths, semiconductors, and shipbuilding, and open a new page in the history of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.

As for the Strategic Investment Initiative, specific projects will be developed one by one under this framework. There is a bilateral Consultation Committee between Japan and the U.S. Through this committee, I expect that the Japanese and U.S. sides will be discussing the necessary points, including the profitability of investment, to ensure appropriate investments.

As a matter of course, since it is private companies that make the actual investments, from the investors’ perspective, if an investment is not profitable, it will simply not be worth pursuing. The U.S. side has agreed to make various arrangements, such as the provision of land and infrastructure, as well as mediation with clients. Japan, for its part, will also take measures, such as providing loans and loan guarantees. Through these combined efforts, we intend to develop projects that will deliver tangible results and be mutually beneficial for both Japan and the U.S.

As for the timing of specific projects, our intention is to move as swiftly as possible. Japan and the U.S. have concurred to accelerate coordination toward the public announcement of the projects, and we will continue to work energetically on project development.

Bloomberg, MURAKAMI: I would like to ask about Japan-China relations. Regarding China’s tightening of export controls on critical materials, Prime Minister TAKAICHI stated on January 19 that Japan plans to collaborate with like-minded countries to make a demarche to China, urging it not to use export controls as a means of economic coercion. Can you tell us which like-minded countries will be part of this framework and how the demarche will be carried out?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I am sorry, could you please repeat that?

Bloomberg, MURAKAMI: Regarding China’s tightening of export controls on critical materials, Prime Minister TAKAICHI announced yesterday that Japan, together with like-minded countries, will make a demarche to China, urging it not to use export controls as a means of economic coercion. I would like to know through what kind of framework the like-minded countries will make a demarche and how it will be carried out.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: With regard to China’s rare earth exports, I believe that it is necessary to build supply chains for rare earths and other critical minerals, as well as for various other items, in a manner that does not create excessive dependence on any particular country. In this context, cooperation with like-minded countries is extremely important.

At the same time, China’s export control measures, which only target Japan, deviate significantly from international practice, and are absolutely unacceptable and deeply regrettable. Japan has made a demarche to the Chinese side to this effect, lodged a strong protest, and is calling for the swift withdrawal of these measures.

In addition, during my overseas visit, as well as through telephone meetings and other occasions, I have explained to partner countries that Japan has strong concerns about such Chinese export control measures, for example, China’s weaponization or strategic use of certain materials it possesses to achieve its objectives. I have received understanding from our partners on these concerns.

Freelance, SHIBA: During your visit to Israel, you urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to protect civilians in Gaza. However, the expansion of settlements and attacks on civilians have only worsened for more thantwo decades, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Mr. Netanyahu on charge of war crimes. Since the 2023 attacks on Gaza, Japan has purchased JPY 24.1 billion worth of Israeli-made weapons. Chairperson ONODERA of the Liberal Democratic Party’s Research Commission on Security, along with others, even shook hands and took photos with Mr. Netanyahu after visiting defense industry facilities. I understand that you have already expressed support for the ICC. However, I think it is necessary to fundamentally review Japan’s diplomacy toward Israel, including consideration of possible sanctions, and to urge ruling parties to exercise restraint in their business dealings and interactions with the Israeli defense industry. What is your view on this?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Japan has consistently supported the ICC, a permanent international criminal court, to thoroughly enforce the rule of law within the international community as I have repeatedly stated.

I have just visited Israel and Palestine. The purpose of this visit was to convey Japan’s candid views on concrete steps going forward to de-escalate tensions and build peace in the Middle East, drawing upon the good relationships that Japan has built with both Israel and Palestine.

At present, U.S.-led consultations on comprehensive peace are underway. However, I believe that stabilizing the region ultimately requires concrete actions to resolve mutual distrust between Israel and Palestine, and I conveyed this view frankly to both sides.

During my courtesy call on Prime Minister Netanyahu, I directly conveyed these thoughts to him.

Specifically, based on Japan’s position of attaching great importance to compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law, I strongly urged Israel to take appropriate responses to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

I conveyed that settlement activities constitute violations of international law, and expressed serious concern over the expansion of settlements and the increase in settler violence. I also communicated that the continuation of such actions makes it difficult to build trust between the two parties. Furthermore, I reaffirmed that Japan places importance on a two-state solution and urged that steps be taken toward its realization.

Regarding your question on overall relations with Israel, Japan will continue to make appropriate decisions based on the various circumstances.

As for the individual actions of Diet members, I will refrain from commenting on this matter in my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs, since I was not personally involved, including any handshakes.

Radio France, NISHIMURA: I have a question about President Trump’s conduct and remarks on Greenland. The statements and actions of President Trump, who aims to make Greenland a U.S. territory, are effectively an attempt to change the status quo by force. The Government of Japan has not made any comments on these. Please share your view on President Trump’s stance regarding Greenland.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Regarding Greenland, I believe its importance is increasing due to its geopolitical significance and its possession of rare earths. While I am aware of the President’s statements on Greenland that you pointed out, I would like to refrain from commenting on individual remarks made by government officials of other countries.

That being said, there are currently differences in position between the U.S. and Europe on this issue. It appears that the European side is making efforts to narrow these differences. Japan hopes for stable relations between the U.S. and Europe. During yesterday’s Japan-EU Foreign Ministers’ telephone meeting, I conveyed to High Representative Kallas Japan’s expectation that the U.S. and Europe will closely coordinate their position and create a stable environment.

Japan will continue to closely monitor the situation.

Asian News International, ITAGAKI: I understand that your meetings with officials of each country during your visit yielded productive outcomes. At your final destination, India, you held meetings with Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar and Prime Minister Modi. Could you share the outcomes of these meetings?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I visited five countries: countries in the Middle East, the Philippines, and India. It was cooler in India than I had expected —indeed, it was quite cold—which I found quite challenging. However, we had very heartfelt and vigorous discussions.

During my visit to India, amid major upheavals in the current international order, I spent considerable time with Prime Minister Modi and Minister Jaishankar to strengthen our relations with India, Japan’s important partner. I was initially scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Modi for 30 minutes, but our discussions lasted for nearly 50 minutes. Minister Jaishankar and I held talks for over two hours. Discussions covered bilateral relations and future cooperation for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP).

In particular, during the Japan-India Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, both sides shared views on the current severe international situation and concurred to cooperate, including through Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad) cooperation. We also concurred on holding the “Private-Sector Dialogue on Economic Security” as a follow-up to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan last August. In addition, we concurred on launching the “Japan-India AI Strategic Dialogue” to ensure economic growth through innovation.

Both Japan and India have a wealth of outstanding talent. To promote people-to people exchanges between the two countries, and given that next year, 2027, will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, we concurred to designate 2027 as the “75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and India.” We will be planning a variety of programs and events for the anniversary year.

Building on these outcomes, Japan intends to further strengthen Japan-India relations and to enhance cooperation toward maintaining the international order.

Independent Web Journal, HAMAMOTO: I have a question about the war in Ukraine. On December 5, 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) admitted that the counter-claims submitted by Russia against Ukraine would be formally deliberated. The counter-claims allege that the Government of Ukraine committed genocide against the Russian-speaking population in the Donbas area beginning in 2014. Although Russia’s military intervention has been condemned unilaterally as an “unprovoked aggression,” its “provocation” will be formally scrutinized in an international judicial forum. Please tell us your views on this.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Could you please repeat your question?

Independent Web Journal, HAMAMOTO: On December 5, 2005 [sic], the ICJ admitted that the counter-claims submitted by Russia against Ukraine will be formally deliberated. The counter-claims allege that the Government of Ukraine committed genocide against the Russian-speaking population in the Donbas area beginning in 2014. Although Russia’s military intervention has been condemned unilaterally as an “unprovoked aggression,” its “provocation” will be formally scrutinized in an international judicial forum. Please tell us your opinions on this.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I am aware of the ICJ’s decision that you mentioned. As Russia has filed counter-claims and no judgment has yet been rendered, Japan will closely monitor the forthcoming proceedings.

In any case, Japan’s position is that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine infringes upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and constitutes an outrageous act that shakes the very foundation of the international order.

Japan will continue to work in coordination with the international community, including the G7, to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.