[Provisional translation]
[Opening Statement by Prime Minister Takaichi]
(Reporter)
This is Furuta from Hokkaido Shimbun. Madame Prime Minister, today marks six months since you assumed office. Looking back on these six months of governing, where have you felt the greatest sense of accomplishment, and what have you found most challenging?
In addition, during the House of Councillors Budget Committee deliberations in this Diet session, your attendance time has been shorter than in previous years, and opposition parties have raised questions about accountability. How do you believe you should engage with the House of Councillors and the Diet as a whole going forward?
Finally, as the first woman to serve as Prime Minister and President of the Liberal Democratic Party, what are your reflections on the past six months, and how would you like to build on experience in the future management of your administration?
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
Thank you. On October 21 of last year, I became Prime Minister, and the Takaichi Cabinet was launched. We began as a “Cabinet of Determination and Progress.”
I am determined to strengthen Japan’s national power. If we do not begin now, it will be too late. With that conviction, I took on the LDP presidential election three times, and after becoming Prime Minister, I have worked tirelessly to fulfill, one by one, the promises I made to the people—for everything is for the benefit of the Japanese people.
To strengthen national power means strengthening our diplomatic capability, our defense capability, our economic strength, our technological strength, our intelligence capability, and our human resources. With these pillars in mind, we have advanced a wide range of policies.
In terms of diplomatic capability, I believe we have made considerable progress. Shortly after taking office, I attended the ASEAN-related summit meetings, APEC, and the G20. In addition to the G7 leaders, I have held bilateral meetings with many world leaders. Even today, I had two summit telephone calls. Step by step, we are enhancing Japan’s presence in the international community. We should remain a nation that is trusted and relied upon by many countries, and I will continue to strive to ensure so.
Regarding human resources, operational grants to institutions such as universities had stagnated for years, but we have significantly increased them. We have also expanded competitive research funding and launched initiatives to increase science-oriented education in high schools, including vocational and technical colleges.
To strengthen every aspect of our national power, economic growth is indispensable. When I took office, prices were soaring and there was a sense of indescribable stagnation. We swiftly compiled a supplementary budget to ease the burden on as many people as possible. The budget for this fiscal year, which has now been enacted, includes many measures that must be implemented now before time runs out to strengthen Japan’s national power.
Therefore, we will continue to strengthen the economy. Japan possesses outstanding technologies, and we will unlock their full potential. At the same time, we will ensure a society in which high-quality education, welfare, and healthcare are properly provided. I would like to work toward building such a society.
If I were to name areas where I have felt tangible progress, it would be the fact that through the budget process we have tackled such issues facing us one by one. I think we were able to do the same through our persistent efforts in diplomacy. I believe we have also taken a major step forward in strengthening human resources.
As for intelligence capability, deliberations are currently underway in the Diet. We aim to establish a National Intelligence Council and a National Intelligence Bureau to ensure the efficient collection and effective utilization of high-quality intelligence.
As for the challenges, again diplomacy comes to mind. When we look at the situation in the Middle East, it is shifting daily. We are working tirelessly to ensure that vessels currently in the Persian Gulf can resume their safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which is an international strait. We are also emphasizing resource and energy security. With the Strait of Hormuz currently not passable or unsafe for ordinary passage, we are strengthening supply chains and diversifying procurement sources.
This is where an ongoing effort on a daily basis is called for; but if we act decisively now, future generations will be able to live with peace of mind and continue their business activities. That is the Japan we seek to build, and that is where we are struggling as we speak.
Regarding engagement with the Diet, parliamentary operations are determined by the Diet itself. The Prime Minister and ministers alike will appear when called upon and explain our policies to the people through their elected representatives. That is only natural, and we will continue to respond sincerely to requests for deliberation should the Diet ask for it.
As for being the first female Prime Minister and LDP President, some may feel a sense of unfamiliarity or think that certain shortcomings are due to my being a woman. However, I believe people simply will have to grow accustomed to a woman serving as Prime Minister and party president.
For me, what matters is not whether I am male or female. I carry the pride of a person bearing the responsibility of representing the sovereign people. I will continue to work with utmost dedication for all citizens.
(Reporter)
I am Tominaga from the Asahi Shimbun. Today, the Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and their implementation guidelines were revised. Could you explain the significance of this revision? There are concerns that this effectively lifts the comprehensive ban on arms exports. Please share with us your thoughts on this.
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
Previously, only equipment and technology that fall under either of the designated five categories —rescue, transportation, vigilance, surveillance, and minesweeping—could be transferred overseas. In today’s increasingly severe security environment, no country can safeguard its own peace and security alone. Against this backdrop, I believe partners who support each other also in the field of defense equipment are important.
It is also a fact that we have been receiving expectations from partner countries regarding Japan’s defense equipment and technology, which have been developed under the concept of exclusively defense-oriented policy. As Japan has built up its defense equipment and technology based on this principle, we do not possess, for example, bombers or aircraft carriers. Our equipment is not intended to infringe upon the territory of other countries, but is strictly for defensive purposes.
Responding to such needs from partner countries through the transfer of defense equipment and technology will contribute to enhancing the defense capabilities of like-minded countries. It also helps prevent conflicts from arising in the first place, thereby contributing to the security of Japan. Furthermore, if partner countries possess the same equipment as Japan, it becomes possible to share parts and components with one another. I believe this is of great significance.
With regard to defense equipment and technology, as I believe you are well aware, we will fully comply with international export control frameworks. We will conduct stricter case-by-case examinations and ensure appropriate control at the destination of transfer.
Japan has walked the path of a peace-loving nation for more than 80 years since the end of the war. I have personally felt that the trust placed in Japan by the international community is extremely strong. Accordingly, there will be no change whatsoever in our commitment to upholding our past course and our fundamental principles.
(Reporter)
(Tominaga, Asahi Shimbun) Next, I would like to ask you about the Yasukuni Shrine spring festival. Today you offered a masakaki tree. Do you plan to visit the shrine during the festival period?
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
I believe that, in any country, it is only natural to express respect and gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to their country; those who have made sacrifices in service of national policy. Accordingly, when I visited the United States recently, I paid my respects at Arlington National Cemetery. When I visit other countries in the future as well, I intend to do the same and pay my respects to those who have given their lives for their nations. With regard to visits to Yasukuni Shrine, this concerns my private schedule, and I have nothing to state here today.