Press Conferences

Foreign Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro: I would like to make two announcements at the outset. First, in light of the current situation surrounding Iran, I would like to provide an update on the progress of the Government’s efforts to assist Japanese nationals who wish to leave the Gulf States.

I will provide an update on developments since Foreign Minister MOTEGI’s announcement at yesterday’s press conference. Early this afternoon, March 11, 160 and 276 people arrived in Japan from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), respectively. In addition, from the perspective of mutual cooperation on assisting nationals abroad, 12 nationals from the Republic of Korea (ROK) and other countries also boarded the flight from Riyadh, using available seats on the government-chartered plane.

Combined with the 107 people who arrived from Muscat, Oman on March 8 (Japan time) and the 281 who arrived from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on March 10 (Japan time), a total of 836 people have boarded government-chartered planes to date.

Regarding future responses, as civilian aircraft operations in the region have partially resumed, we will consider our course of action based on the situation on the ground and the needs of Japanese nationals, while continuing to take all possible measures to ensure their protection.

The second announcement concerns the visit to Japan by the Prime Minister of Bhutan and his spouse. As has already been announced, H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, and his spouse, Mrs. Doma, will visit Japan from tomorrow, March 12 to March 17. During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister TAKAICHI, among other engagements.

The Year 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan. The visit of Prime Minister Tobgay and Mrs. Doma is expected to further deepen the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

Furthermore, through a public competition, the official logo for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations has been decided and has already been announced. The logo, displayed here today, features the number “40” at its center, harmoniously combining Japan’s sakura (cherry blossoms) and Mount Fuji with Bhutan’s blue poppy and dragon, while using the symbolic colors of the two countries. The logo is designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and to express the long-standing friendship between the two countries, as well as the ties toward the future.

In order to celebrate this milestone year with as many people as possible and to further promote exchanges between the two countries, the Governments of Japan and Bhutan will hold commemorative events. Events endorsed as commemorative events will be permitted to use the official logo. Applications are already being accepted; please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website for details and submit your application accordingly.

That concludes my two announcements. I am now ready to take your questions.

Kyodo News, SAKAGUCHI: I would like to ask about the departure and evacuation of Japanese nationals in light of the situation surrounding Iran, which you mentioned in your opening remarks. Regarding the future outlook, you mentioned that the Government would respond while taking needs into account, and I understand that surveys to assess demand for additional chartered flights have already begun. If there are any specific plans in place, please tell us about their outlook. In addition, regarding the 836 people who have used the chartered planes so far, does the Government have an estimate of the total number of people it expects to assist from the start to the conclusion of the operation?

Press Secretary KITAMURA: Nothing has been finalized at this stage regarding future arrangements. However, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, civilian aircraft operations in the region have partially resumed. Taking this into account, as well as the wishes of Japanese nationals who remain in the region, we will make every effort to take all necessary measures.

As for the total number of people, this is also difficult to provide a precise figure. At the outset of the situation, there were approximately 7,700 Japanese nationals in the region. As Foreign Minister MOTEGI mentioned yesterday, among them, some have made their way to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, or Muscat, Oman and remain there, while others have chosen to stay in the region without evacuating to Japan. Going forward, the Government will continue to respond in accordance with each person’s wishes. While nothing has been decided at this point as to how long or in what form assistance will continue, I would like to reiterate that we will continue our efforts to ensure that every person is able either to return home safely or to have their individual wishes fulfilled.