Press Conferences

Foreign Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro: At the outset, I have four announcements.

The first announcement concerns overseas voting at diplomatic missions for the general election of the House of Representatives. For the 51st general election of the House of Representatives and the 27th National Review for Judges of the Supreme Court, overseas voting at Japan’s embassies, consulates general and others around the world has begun today, January 28, the day after the official announcement of the election. The voting period varies by diplomatic mission, so please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website and information provided by each diplomatic mission for details.

Press Secretary KITAMURA: The second announcement concerns the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The 25th Olympic Winter Games will be held in February in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, followed by the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in March. To ensure adequate support, including safety measures, for all Japanese nationals visiting the area, such as athletes and other members of the Japanese delegation participating in the Games, spectators, media personnel, and others, MOFA has established a Liaison and Coordination Office headed by the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.

In addition, in order to ensure that Japanese nationals can stay in the area and watch the Games safely, we have created a dedicated page on the website of the Consulate-General of Japan in Milan.

We also plan to provide safety information as necessary through consular emails and other means to those registered with the overseas travel registration service (Tabi-Regi), MOFA’s overseas safety information service, and others. We ask that Japanese nationals visiting the area to register with Tabi-Regi and follow the related information.

Press Secretary KITAMURA: The third announcement concerns the extension of the exhibition period at the Diplomatic Archives of MOFA. The Diplomatic Archives is currently hosting the special exhibition titled “Japan’s Orientation as a Peace-Loving Nation,” commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations (UN). Due to the positive reception, the exhibition period has been extended until Saturday, January 31.

With only a few days left before the event concludes, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about postwar Japan’s journey as a peace-loving nation. Admission is free, so we hope you will visit the Diplomatic Archives Exhibition Room at Azabudai Hills in Tokyo.

Press Secretary KITAMURA: Finally, I would like to introduce an event hosted by MOFA, “Dialogue with Students: My Proposal.” As I mentioned previously at a press conference, in order to deepen understanding of diplomatic policy, international affairs, and related matters among students who will lead Japan’s next generation, MOFA will hold the FY2025 “Dialogue with Students: My Proposal” on Tuesday, February 10, at the Ministry.

We are recruiting participants on the MOFA website, and the application deadline is Tuesday, February 3. Online participation is also available, and we look forward to receiving many applications from university and graduate students.