Press Conferences

Foreign Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro: At the outset, I have two announcements. We have already issued press releases on both. The first concerns Japan’s election as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

On October 13, the election of the members of the United Nations Human Rights Council was held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, and Japan was elected as a member in the first round of voting. As a result of this election, Japan will serve its seventh term as a member of the Human Rights Council for a period of three years beginning on January 1, 2027.

Japan has consistently contributed to the advancement and promotion of international human rights norms and to the improvement of the human rights situation around the world through international forums such as the Human Rights Council, bilateral dialogues, and economic cooperation, with a view to protecting and promoting human rights. We believe this election reflects the high regard the international community holds for Japan’s efforts to date in the field of human rights.

As a member, Japan intends to participate even more actively in the activities of the Human Rights Council and to play a constructive role in the protection and promotion of human rights in the international community.

Press Secretary KITAMURA: The second announcement concerns “Global Festa JAPAN 2026.” We have a flyer on display here, and our promotional mascot, ODA Man is also on hand.

This weekend on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, the 35th Global Festa JAPAN will be held, in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The event is jointly hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation (JANIC). It is one of Japan’s largest international cooperation events, and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs IKUINA will attend the opening session.

The event will feature a variety of programs designed to make international cooperation feel more familiar. These include stage events marking the 70th anniversary of Japan’s admission to the United Nations, as well as stage events featuring the themes such as food and music. In addition, around 180 exhibition booths are also expected to be hosted by foreign embassies in Tokyo, international organizations, NGOs, and private companies.

This year’s theme is “Connected to the World, My Everyday Life. Creating the Future Together.” We hope the event will offer an opportunity to reflect on the connections between our daily lives and the world, and to deepen understanding of international cooperation.

That’s all from me.

Nikkei Shimbun, NAKAOKA: I would like to ask about the case in which Russia’s Federal Security Service announced that it detained a Hokkaido Shimbun reporter in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The Government of Japan has stated that it has made démarches to the Russian side, seeking the provision of information, as well as fair and impartial treatment. Are there any plans to move beyond such request and lodge a formal protest going forward? Could you also tell us whether the Government is considering summoning the Russian Ambassador to Japan to lodge a protest?.

Press Secretary KITAMURA: Regarding the case you mentioned, I would like to first explain the measures Japan has taken to date. On October 13, Mr. TOKUDA, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan in Russia, made a démarche to the Deputy Director-General of the Third Asian Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the morning of October 14, Mr. YOKOTA, Consul-General of Japan in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, made a démarche to the Representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

As a first step, we have made démarches, seeking to ascertain the facts, including by requesting the prompt provision of information, and calling for humanitarian consideration as well as fair and impartial treatment.

As for our response going forward, there is nothing I can share here today. However, as we continue to clarify the situation, we intend to take necessary measures, including further démarches to the Russian side, and to make every effort to protect Japanese nationals.

TBS, WATANABE: In connection with this matter, you mentioned that Japan has made démarches to the Russian side. Could you tell us what response has been received from them?

Press Secretary KITAMURA: Regarding this matter, while this may be a standard response, as it concerns diplomatic exchanges, I would like to refrain from commenting on the details here today.