Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I would like to begin with an announcement. It is about an emergency grant for Yemen and Djibouti.

Peace and stability in the Middle East region, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is of utmost importance to the entire international community, including Japan, from the perspective of energy security. In Yemen which faces the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the intensification of military operations by the Houthis since July has resulted in numerous internally displaced persons. Likewise, in Djibouti, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated due to the influx of refugees.

In response to this situation, today, the Government of Japan has decided to provide an Emergency Grant of USD 10 million to Yemen and Djibouti. Through this assistance, Japan will implement humanitarian assistance in fields such as food and health through international organizations and other bodies operating on the ground.

Japan will continue to work in close coordination with relevant countries and organizations to contribute to peace and stability across the Middle East.

Kyodo News, ICHIKAWA: I would like to ask about the incident involving a U.S. military service member that occurred in Okinawa Prefecture. Following the incident for which a U.S. Marine was arrested on suspicion of robbery-murder, the local community is calling for strong pressure to be placed on the U.S. side to promptly implement concrete and effective measures in order to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Minister, you have already lodged a protest with Ambassador Glass and demanded the U.S. to strengthen discipline and take thorough preventive measures. In light of the anger and anxiety among the people of Okinawa, how does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) intend to address this matter going forward?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: First of all, this incident involving U.S. military personnel is causing deep anxiety among the local community. It should never have happened and is extremely regrettable.

With regard to the robbery-murder that occurred in Naha City, first, as an initial response, on the afternoon of October 4, although it was a Sunday, I summoned U.S. Ambassador Glass to MOFA. I lodged a strong protest over this incident and demanded the U.S. to cooperate fully with the investigation and to strengthen discipline and prevent the recurrence of incidents.

Going forward, I intend to advance discussions with the U.S. regarding how to implement effective measures to prevent the occurrence of such incidents. Japan and the U.S. will work together to prevent recurrence, alongside efforts to mitigate the impact on local communities.

Ryukyu Shimpo, TERUYA: Regarding the incident in which a U.S. Marine lance corporal was arrested on suspicion of robbery-murder in Okinawa Prefecture, I would like to ask a question concerning the Japan-U.S. SOFA. In this case, as the Japanese police made an emergency arrest and took the suspect into custody, the incident did not develop into an international issue involving the handover of custody of the suspect, a member of the U.S. military, under SOFA. However, whenever heinous incidents involving U.S. military personnel occurred in the past, successive governors of Okinawa Prefecture maintained the view that the Japan-U.S. SOFA, which significantly restricts Japan’s investigative and judicial authority, lies at the root of the incidents and accidents involving U.S. military personnel and the civilian component. Former Governor NAKAIMA Hirokazu noted that “The root of all evils lies here [SOFA].” Former Governor TAMAKI Denny stated that “One of the underlying factors is a perception among U.S. military personnel and others that they are protected by SOFA.” Does the Government have any intention to fundamentally or partially revise SOFA to prevent the recurrence of incidents and accidents involving U.S. military personnel and the civilian component? I would appreciate it if you could share your specific views on this matter.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: My thoughts on the incident you mentioned are as I have already stated. I also stated that Japan intends to advance discussions with the U.S. on how to implement effective measures to prevent the occurrence of such incidents.

That being said, with regard to the Japan-U.S. SOFA, as the Government has explained, including in the Diet, we have addressed specific issues one by one through the most appropriate measures that enable effective and quick responses depending on the nature of each matter or case.

For example, the Government concluded two supplementary agreements, one in 2015 on environmental stewardship and one in 2017 on the civilian component.

The Government intends to continuously examine how the Japan-U.S. SOFA should be structured by building on these efforts.

Mainichi Shimbun, TADOKORO: To the question from Kyodo News, you responded that Japan and the U.S. will discuss effective measures to prevent recurrence as well as efforts to mitigate the impact on local communities. I would like to ask under what consultative framework and at what level these discussions are expected to take place.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: What I mentioned earlier was our intention to advance discussions on the implementation of effective measures. Given that this matter arose two days ago, we would like to consider how to move these discussions forward as quickly as possible in coordination with the U.S. side.

Radio France, NISHIMURA: I would like to ask a question concerning Japan-U.S. relations. Following the recent Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting, Prime Minister TAKAICHI emphasized that she powerfully conveyed the strength of the bonds of the Japan-U.S. Alliance to the world. However, some articles by overseas experts suggest a somewhat different interpretation. For one thing, the international media barely reported the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting. Furthermore, harsh words were directed at Japan during the subsequent U.S.-China Summit Meeting, and President Trump himself has not particularly emphasized the strength of the bonds between Japan and the U.S. In short, I sense a discrepancy in perceptions. I would like to hear your views on this matter.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Your question is based on your impressions, and I do not believe I am in a position to comment on that. However, I am aware that the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting has been covered by multiple major international media outlets.

Prime Minister TAKAICHI and President Trump held a meeting shortly before the U.S.-China Summit Meeting. I believe the number of meetings that President Trump held in New York was quite limited. At the meeting, the Japanese and U.S. sides shared their understanding of the situation in the Indo-Pacific, including China, and were able to demonstrate the strength of the Japan-U.S. Alliance domestically and internationally. I was also in attendance at the meeting, and I believe it was highly meaningful.

The Japan-U.S. Alliance is the cornerstone of Japan’s diplomacy and security. We will continue to advance Japan-U.S. cooperation in concrete terms across a wide range of areas, including security and economic security, and aim to elevate the Alliance to further heights.