Press Releases
State Minister for Foreign Affairs KUNIMITSU’s Visit to Hirosima City
May 7, 2026
From May 11 to 12, Dr. KUNIMITSU Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, will visit Hiroshima City.
- In Hiroshima City, State Minister KUNIMITSU will attend the opening session of the 48th Antarctic Treaty Consulative Meeting (ATCM48).
- At this upcoming meeting, issues such as responses to the recent surge in Antarctic tourism, the impacts of climate change on the Antarctic region, and the transparency of activities in Antarctica will be consulted. The meeting will pursue to further strengthen the future-looking Antarctic Treaty system.
(Reference1) Schedule
| May 11 | Departure from Tokyo |
| Arrival at Hiroshima | |
| May 12 | Attending the ATCM48 Opening Session, etc. |
| Departure from Hiroshima | |
| Arrival at Tokyo |
(Reference2) Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)
Parties that are conducting substantial scientific research activities in Antarctica are called Consultative Parties (29 Parties). At the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM), discussions take place on the peaceful use of Antarctica, promotion of scientific research, and the protection of Antarctic environment (once a year). The meeting is hosted by each consultative party on a rotating basis. The Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) is convened on the sidelines of the ATCM in accordance with the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.
(Reference3) The Antarctic Treaty
- The Treaty was adopted by 12 countries including Japan in 1959, entering into force in 1961 (Japan is one of the original signatories).
- As of April 2026, the number of Parties is 58.
- The Antarctic Treaty applies to the area south of 60 degrees South Latitude. The Treaty contains the following principal provisions:
- Peaceful use of Antarctica (including prohibition on establishing military bases and carrying out military maneuvers) (Article 1)
- Freedom of scientific investigation and promotion of international cooperation (Articles 2 and 3)
- Freeze of territorial claims (Article 4)
- Prohibition on nuclear testing and radioactive waste disposal (Article 5)