Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue of Takeshima

REPORTER: I have two questions regarding the Takeshima Day ceremony that has held in Shimane Prefecture yesterday. First of all, I believe that while answering questions in the Diet in January of last year the Prime Minister stated that the Government was considering and preparing to independently submit a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In relation to this, Shimane Prefecture is hoping for the early resolution of the Takeshima issue. Taking into consideration the views of Shimane Prefecture, does the Abe administration intend to independently submit the case to the ICJ sometime this year?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, Takeshima is indisputably an inherent part of the territory of Japan, in light of historical facts and based on international law. Japan will continue to seek the settlement of the dispute of the territorial sovereignty over Takeshima on the basis of international law in a calm and peaceful manner. In light of this we are currently considering and preparing various courses of action, including submitting the case to the ICJ. The Government will make a comprehensive decision taking into account all the various factors, and address the situation in an appropriate manner.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Returning to the subject of Takeshima, regardless of the fact that it is an inherent part of the territory of Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK) has long continued to protest the situation. As was mentioned earlier as well, given the present circumstances, do you consider the submission of the case to the ICJ to be a realistic course of action?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, regarding the protest from the ROK side, this was made on February 23 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK to the Japanese embassy. The protest concerned the holding of the Takeshima ceremony and the attendance of Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Cabinet Office Yohei Matsumoto. We responded clearly that, based on the Government’s position on the matter, we cannot accept the ROK’s protest. With that context in mind, regarding your question, the Japanese Government is considering and preparing various courses of action, including submission of the case to the ICJ. Whatever the case, we will make a comprehensive decision taking into account all the various factors, and address the situation in an appropriate manner.

(Abridged)