[Provisional Translation]
(Opening Statement by Prime Minister Takaichi)
Thank you for your hard work.
Thank you for your hard work.
I have decided to appoint Mr. TAKEBE Arata, a member of the House of Representatives, as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, succeeding Minister Yana. The necessary formalities will be completed later today.
I have just instructed Mr. Takebe to work toward promoting agriculture, forestry and fisheries and developing rural communities, strengthening food security, and advancing the agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors through the use of new technologies. These include food tech, such as plant factories and land-based aquaculture, as well as AI-powered analysis of satellite data.
Although he will be assuming this position shortly after the opening of the Diet session, Mr. Takebe has previously served as State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Within the Liberal Democratic Party's Policy Research Council, he has also served as Chairperson of the Agriculture and Forestry Division and Chairperson of the Fisheries Research Commission. He is therefore well versed in agricultural, forestry and fisheries administration.
I selected him because I believe he can make an immediate contribution, including in responding to matters in the Diet.
That concludes my opening remarks.
(Reporter)
I am Takahashi from the Yomiuri Shimbun. Madame Prime Minister, you have decided to appoint House of Representatives member Takebe Arata to succeed Minister Yana, who resigned yesterday. Could you explain why you selected Mr. Takebe, what you hope to achieve through his appointment, and what role you expect him to play?
I am Takahashi from the Yomiuri Shimbun. Madame Prime Minister, you have decided to appoint House of Representatives member Takebe Arata to succeed Minister Yana, who resigned yesterday. Could you explain why you selected Mr. Takebe, what you hope to achieve through his appointment, and what role you expect him to play?
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
As I mentioned, I have given him those instructions. Above all, he has extensive knowledge of agricultural, forestry and fisheries administration. He has also dealt with a wide range of issues in this field, including serving as secretary-general of a special committee addressing wildlife damage.
As I mentioned, I have given him those instructions. Above all, he has extensive knowledge of agricultural, forestry and fisheries administration. He has also dealt with a wide range of issues in this field, including serving as secretary-general of a special committee addressing wildlife damage.
Ensuring food security is an urgent priority. I want him to promote the wider adoption of new technologies within Japan and ultimately create opportunities to expand them overseas, developing them into Japanese export industries. That includes exporting not only the technologies themselves but also the systems built around them.
I also want him to develop new markets for Japan's outstanding agricultural, forestry and fisheries products, as well as food products, and expand their exports as much as possible. Having the capacity to export these products also means that, should the need arise, they can be consumed domestically, thereby helping to increase Japan's food self-sufficiency.
I believe Mr. Takebe is someone who will seriously pursue these objectives.
(Reporter)
I am Echigo from Jiji Press.
My question concerns the detention of a Japanese journalist by Russia. A Japanese journalist was recently detained by Russian authorities, and, as I understand it, Japanese officials have still not been granted consular access.
I am Echigo from Jiji Press.
My question concerns the detention of a Japanese journalist by Russia. A Japanese journalist was recently detained by Russian authorities, and, as I understand it, Japanese officials have still not been granted consular access.
Meanwhile, the Russian side has unilaterally alleged that the journalist was engaged in espionage in cooperation with the Japanese government. Why has the Japanese government neither challenged nor protested these allegations? Could you also tell us how you intend to work toward securing the journalist's release?
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
I believe this matter has already been addressed at the Chief Cabinet Secretary's press conference. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is making every effort to engage with the Russian authorities, including making representations and requesting access to the journalist.
I believe this matter has already been addressed at the Chief Cabinet Secretary's press conference. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is making every effort to engage with the Russian authorities, including making representations and requesting access to the journalist.
Our immediate priority is the protection of a Japanese national, which is of the utmost importance. That is where I intend to focus our efforts for now.
(Reporter)
I am Echigo from Jiji Press. What about the espionage allegations? Is the Japanese government conducting espionage activities in Russia?
I am Echigo from Jiji Press. What about the espionage allegations? Is the Japanese government conducting espionage activities in Russia?
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
There is no such fact. We do not yet know the precise details of what the Russian side is describing as espionage, and the relevant domestic laws differ from country to country. Nevertheless, Japan will firmly communicate its position.
There is no such fact. We do not yet know the precise details of what the Russian side is describing as espionage, and the relevant domestic laws differ from country to country. Nevertheless, Japan will firmly communicate its position.
(Reporter)
I am Sugiyama from the Asahi Shimbun. I would like to ask about the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
I am Sugiyama from the Asahi Shimbun. I would like to ask about the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The previous minister resigned following controversy over his remarks about cutting budget allocations and allegations of violations of the Public Offices Election Act. What do you expect the new minister to do to restore public trust?
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
As for what I expect of the new minister, rather than focusing on restoring public trust, I want him to devote his full efforts to ensuring that agricultural, forestry and fisheries administration proceeds without interruption and that new opportunities are opened up.
As for what I expect of the new minister, rather than focusing on restoring public trust, I want him to devote his full efforts to ensuring that agricultural, forestry and fisheries administration proceeds without interruption and that new opportunities are opened up.
I want him to demonstrate just how outstanding Japan's agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors are, and how strong our food industry is as well.