Press Conferences

Foreign Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro: It has been a while since the last press conference. I have one announcement.

It concerns online passport applications. Speaking of passports, today we are once again joined by “Passpo-kun.”

Yesterday, on August 25, the Digital Agency announced the release of the new “Myna App.” In conjunction with this, the passport application screen on Mynaportal has also been renewed. The new application screen is more user-friendly, with the process moving forward as applicants answer questions, allowing for smoother passport applications.

This renewal has brought two main improvements.

First, while previously a physical My Number Card was required when applying for a passport via Mynaportal, iPhone users can now apply without a physical My Number Card by using the My Number Card added to Apple Wallet on their iPhone.

Second, Japanese nationals residing overseas who hold a My Number Card for overseas residents can now apply for passports online via Mynaportal in the same manner as domestic residents.

Since passport fees were significantly reduced on July 1, last month, many people have applied for passports. With this renewal of the Myna App, we hope that even more people will obtain passports and come to know the appeal of countries and regions around the world through overseas travel.

That concludes opening remarks.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Goto: In 2024, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) recommended that Japan revise the Imperial House Law to ensure gender equality. In connection with this, on July 17, the Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General stated at a press briefing that the Secretary-General encourages all countries to adopt inclusive policies that will empower women in all positions and occupations. Additionally, last weekend, CEDAW member Bandana Rana criticized the Imperial House Law in an interview with Kyodo News, saying it is based on patriarchal norms that place women in a subordinate position. Could you share the Government’s view on this?

Press Secretary KITAMURA: Let me first respond to the second point of your question regarding last weekend’s comments. We are aware of the reports concerning the remarks by CEDAW member Bandana Rana that you mentioned, but we would like to refrain from commenting on each and every remark by an individual member of the Committee.

Having said that, regarding your first point, we understand that at the UN daily press briefing, there was a question seeking the UN Secretary-General’s comment on the revision of Japan’s Imperial House Law, referring to the 2024 recommendation by the CEDAW, as you mentioned.

In response to this question, the Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General stated that “the Secretary-General simply encourages all countries to adopt inclusive policies that will empower women in all walks of life and in all forms of employment.” This conveyed the UN Secretary-General’s general view on the promotion of women’s empowerment. The Government recognizes that, at the press briefing in question, the UN did not make any assessment regarding the revision of the Imperial House Law.

With regard to women’s empowerment, as we have repeatedly explained, the Government considers that for Japan as well, the active participation of women and realizing gender equality are extremely important for achieving a society where everyone can find fulfillment and where individuality and diversity are respected. This is the Government’s unwavering policy, and we will continue to address this appropriately.