Japan-Germany Summit Meeting and Other Events
Cabinet Secretariat, Tuesday, February 6, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On February 6, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted a summit meeting and other events with H.E. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier , President of the Federal Republic of Germany, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The two leaders attended a salute and guard of honor ceremony, and then held a meeting. Thereafter, the leaders held a joint press announcement.
Japan-Germany Summit Meeting
Foreign Affairs, Tuesday, February 6, 2018
On February 6, commencing at around 6 p.m. for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, who is visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. After the summit meeting Prime Minister Abe and Mrs. Abe held a dinner to welcome President Steinmeier and his spouse, Ms. Elke Büdenbender. The dinner was attended by guests from various fields who have a connection with Japan-Germany relations, and was held in a friendly atmosphere.
1. Bilateral relations
(1) Prime Minister Abe welcomed President Steinmeier on his first visit to Japan as President, along with explaining that Germany is an important partner which shares fundamental values with Japan such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and is a powerful driver of European unity, and Japan hopes to coordinate closely with Germany on the various challenges which the international community faces, including the North Korea issue.
(2) President Steinmeier stated that Germany shares values with Japan such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and explained that Germany intends to focus on cooperation in these fields.
(3) The two leaders shared the view that this year, which marks the 100th anniversary of the first performance in Japan of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (“Daiku” in Japanese), is named “DAIKU2018,” and that this will be an opportunity to further deepen Japan-Germany exchanges.
2. Japan-European Union (EU) relations
(1) With regard to Japan-EU relations, the two leaders confirmed the importance of maintaining unity in Europe, which shares fundamental values, and shared the view that Japan and Germany will coordinate to that end.
(2) The two leaders shared the view that given the importance of Japan and Germany both keeping the flag of free trade waving high, they will continue to cooperate on having the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Japan-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) signed and brought into force promptly.
(3) In addition, from the perspective of stability within Europe, President Steinmeier welcomed Japan’s contributions to the Western Balkan region through the “Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative,” which Prime Minister Abe proposed when he visited Southeastern Europe recently.
3. North Korea
Prime Minister Abe explained that North Korea now poses a threat to all of Europe, including its launch of ballistic missiles with the potential range to reach Berlin, and that there is a need for the international community to unite and work together. The two leaders shared the view that it will be necessary to make North Korea to change its policies by maximizing pressure using all methods, including the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. In addition, Prime Minister Abe requested understanding and cooperation for the prompt resolution of the abductions issue.
2018 National Rally to Demand the Return of the Northern Territories
Cabinet Secretariat, Wednesday, February 7, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On February 7, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the 2018 National Rally to Demand the Return of the Northern Territories, held in Tokyo.
The National Rally is held every year on February 7, which is Northern Territories Day. It is an event for related members of the public and private sectors to gather at a single venue and call for the further and broader development of the national movement for the return of the Northern Territories, and to express to those both in and outside Japan the strong resolve of the people of Japan to demand the early return of the Northern Territories.
Council on Investments for the Future
Cabinet Secretariat, Thursday, February 1, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On February 1, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 13th meeting of the Council on Investments for the Future at the Prime Minister’s Office.
At the meeting, there was discussion on the implementation of the Productivity Revolution Package.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“First, I would like to begin with the good news that the supplementary budget was passed a short while ago. Next, I would like to have the main budget pass as smoothly as possible.
Dramatic changes are now happening around the world due to new innovations such as robots, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence. Japan will lead this worldwide trend. With that resolve, we approved the policy package to promote the productivity revolution at the end of last year. I ask that each minister implement these policies in a bold and swift manner.
As society undergoes the dramatic transition to Society 5.0, the government must not be an obstacle, but rather should encourage these changes. Encouragement does not mean the government should stand at the front and pull everything along. The government must boost the efforts of the private sector and become the engine to do that.
We must undertake bold reviews, including on approaches to traffic rules in the autonomous driving era and the areas of criminal and civil liability, as well as our frequency band allocation method and approaches to broadcasting business towards the effective use of frequency bands, a shared public asset of our people, amidst the convergence of telecommunications and broadcasting through technological innovation. In this era where innovative businesses that cannot be defined under the current business classifications are emerging in quick succession, we must advance inter-connected structural reforms that leverage service and function concepts to rid ourselves of 20th century regulatory systems based on vertical segmentation concepts such as “industry laws,” specifically regulating a certain industry. The regulatory sandbox will be a pioneer for this. We will submit a bill on this to the ordinary Diet session. I would like Japan to steadily solicit new ideas that are ahead of the times domestically and from abroad, and show innovative Japanese businesses to the world. Japan will powerfully lead the worldwide trend toward Society 5.0. Therefore, I ask the relevant ministers to advance reforms with flexible thinking and bold actions. You have the ability to take action. I would like you to also exhibit flexible thinking.”
The Release of the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) (Statement by Foreign Minister Taro Kono)
Foreign Affairs, Saturday, February 3, 2018
1. The U.S. Department of Defense released its Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) on Friday, February 2.
2. Japan highly appreciates the latest NPR which clearly articulates the U.S. resolve to ensure the effectiveness of its deterrence and its commitment to providing extended deterrence to its allies including Japan, in light of the international security environment which has been rapidly worsened since the release of the previous 2010 NPR, in particular, by continued development of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. Japan shares with the U.S. the same recognition of such severe security environment.
3. Japan will strengthen the deterrence of the Japan-U.S. Alliance by closely consulting on the extended deterrence, including nuclear deterrence, through the Japan-U.S. Extended Deterrence Dialogue and other consultations.
4. In the latest NPR, the U.S. expresses its commitment to continuing efforts toward the ultimate global elimination of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, strengthening of the NPT regime, and pursuing the security conditions that could enable further nuclear reductions. Japan, as a leading state towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons, will continue to closely cooperate with the U.S. to promote realistic and tangible nuclear disarmament, while appropriately addressing the actual security threats.
Foreign Minister Kono Visits China
YouTube, Sunday, February 4, 2018
Press Conference by Foreign Minister Taro Kono
Foreign Affairs, Friday, February 2, 2018
Opening Remarks
Ms. Mami Mizutori Appointed as Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction
Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Yesterday, Secretary-General Guterres of the United Nations appointed Ms. Mami Mizutori as Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. Japan is extremely delighted with this appointment.
Amid the growing importance of initiatives related to disaster risk reduction in the international community, it is my strong hope that Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Mizutori will utilize her experiences and apply herself earnestly to her work as a representative of the United Nations Secretariat for International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR). She is the fourth Japanese person and first Japanese woman to serve as a Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General.
I remember being very impressed with Ms. Mizutori’s effective work when she served as a director of the Financial Affairs Division during my involvement in the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) program review. I have high hopes for her future activities.
U. S. Vice President Pence to Visit Japan
Reporter: The White House has announced that Vice President Pence is visiting Japan soon as part of his trip to attend the PyeongChang Olympics. I imagine that there will be discussion of the issue of North Korea, the Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) agreement, and other topics. What meetings does Japan intend to have with Vice President Pence?
Minister Kono: I believe Vice President Pence will meet with Prime Minister Abe. Main topics of discussion are likely to be strengthening Japan-U.S. and Japan-U.S.-ROK cooperation in relation to North Korea, and an exchange of views on the economic dialogue between Japan and the United States, which Deputy Prime Minister Aso is in charge of. While it is not clear whether or not the Japan-ROK agreement will be discussed, if the subject is raised, Japan intends to clearly explain its response, which I believe Vice President Pence is already aware of.
Minister Kono’s Twitter Posts
Reporter: I have a question regarding your Twitter. Your tweets have been eliciting considerable reaction. During your recent visit to China, there were some favorable responses, but also some criticism. What are your thoughts about the various reactions? I believe you have long posted comments on Twitter. Do you therefore intend to continue to do so?
Minister Kono: I find it somewhat strange that tweets from my China visit have been reported on in the same way by a number of newspapers this morning. Given the various upheavals that the world is experiencing, I am sure there are many other important issues that newspapers should be devoting their pages to. While I greatly appreciate your coverage of my tweets, I do not think it is necessary for several media outlets to all cover them in the same way on the same day.
Reporter: Do you intend to be even more active on Twitter?
Minister Kono: It is not a matter of getting more active or not. I plan to proceed as normal.
Messages of Condolences from Foreign Minister Kono to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan Regarding the Earthquake in Taiwan
Foreign Affairs, Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, sent the following message of condolence to Mr. David Tawei Lee, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, regarding the magnitude 6.4 earthquake the epicenter of which was Hualien City in eastern Taiwan on the morning of February 7 (0:50 a.m. Japan time).
I am deeply saddened to learn of the major earthquake that recently struck eastern Taiwan, causing substantial damage.
I offer my sincere prayers for those who lost their lives, and extend my heartfelt condolences to those affected.
Japan stands ready to provide any necessary assistance to Taiwan at this difficult time.
Dispatch of the Expert Team in response to the Damages caused by the Earthquake in Eastern Coast of Taiwan
Foreign Affairs, Thursday, February 8, 2018
1. Today, February 8, the Government of Japan decided to dispatch the expert team composed of 7 experts to Taiwan in response to the damages caused by the earthquake in eastern coast of Taiwan on February 7. The team will arrive in Taiwan this afternoon and start its operations to support search and rescue activities.
2. It is crucial to conduct rescues within 72 hours following the earthquake. Japan’s team will bring equipment which can detect human presence from outside the debris and help operate it to support intense search and rescue operations by the local authority.
Deputy Prime Minister Aso Speaks with Vice President Pence of the United States of America
Foreign Affairs, Wednesday, February 7, 2018
On February 7, from 7:05 p.m., Mr. Taro Aso, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister spoke with the Honorable Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States of America, at the Prime Minister’s residence.
International Reserves/Foreign Currency Liquidity (as of January 31, 2018)
Ministry of Finance, Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Japan's reserve assets totaled $ 1,268,535 million as of January 31, 2018, up $ 4,252 million from the end of December.
Details on the level and composition of Japan's international reserves/ foreign currency liquidity are provided in the source link.
Information on "SAVOR JAPAN" was updated
MAFF, Thursday, February 8, 2018
Regional areas where you can enjoy the best of Japanese dining and discover things related to foods, are certified as "SAVOR JAPAN" by the Minister of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
SAVOR JAPAN certification is designed to draw attention to the local brand that come from the numerous farming, mountain and fishing villages throughout Japan where food is a way of life, and lead to an increase in interpersonal exchanges through a deeper discovery of Japanese cuisine and the enjoyment of unforgettable experiences in authentic Japanese food culture.
Signing of Japanese ODA Loan Agreement with the African Development Fund: Contributing to economic growth and poverty alleviation in the least developed countries in Africa through the first Japanese ODA loan to the African Development Fund
JICA, Thursday, February 8, 2018
On February 7, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a loan agreement with the African Development Fund (ADF) in Abidjan designed to provide an ODA loan of up to 73.601 billion yen as part of Japan’s contribution to the African Development Fund Fourteenth Replenishment (ADF-14). This is the first Japanese ODA loan provided to the ADF.
The objectives of this loan are to allow the ADF to secure necessary resources to carry out its projects in recipient countries during the ADF-14 period (January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019), and to contribute to economic growth and poverty alleviation in Africa’s least developed countries.
The ADF is part of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and provides support primarily to least developed countries and poor countries in the form of very long-term, low-interest financing. In contrast, the AfDB, which is the other arm of the AfDB Group, provides financing to middle-income countries in Africa. Until 2022, the AfDB is focusing on its development priorities known as the High 5s: Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa. The funds extended to ADF-14 will be used for activities with a focus on the High 5s.
From its inception in 1972, the ADF has conventionally received subscriptions in the form of grants from donor countries, including Japan, as a source of funds for activities. However, given the severe financial conditions of many advanced countries, during the negotiation of its fourteenth replenishment, the ADF has offered to its donor countries the possibility of including, for the first time, a concessional loan within their subscription to the ADF. The contribution of the Government of Japan to the ADF for this round of replenishment comprises grant participation and concessional lending, and this loan is for that concessional lending.
In addition, JICA has provided private sector development support through projects under the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance (EPSA) for Africa Initiative,* which the Government of Japan and the AfDB launched as a strategy for support in Africa in July 2005. It is JICA’s policy to maintain its relationship with the AfDB Group as an important development partner, contributing to economic growth and poverty alleviation in Africa.
* An assistance initiative to promote private sector development in Africa that was launched by the Government of Japan the AfDB during the Gleneagles G8 Summit in 2005.
Small Rocket "SS-520 No.5" Successfully Launched
METI, Saturday, February 3, 2018
Small Rocket "SS-520 No.5" Successfully Launched
Concerning the small rocket named "SS-520 No.5," a project successfully developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency（JAXA） based on a commission by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry（METI）, launched successfully on February 3（Sat.）, 2018, from a JAXA Uchinoura Space Center launch site.
1. Background
Anticipating an increase in demand for microsatellites, METI has been engaging in the Research and Development Project for the Improvement of Technical Information Infrastructures for the Space Industry（In-orbit Demonstration of Space Equipment Making Use of Commercial Products）. This project aims to develop small rockets, microsatellites and other space vehicles with price competitiveness in which Japan’s commercial parts and technologies are utilized.
As part of this project, in January 2017, JAXA launched the SS-520 No.4, an improved version of the existing observatory rocket. However, the rocket failed to settle into the orbit of the scheduled satellite. In response, JAXA conducted counter measures to overcome the failure and successfully developed the SS-520-5, leading to this subsequent successful launch.
The SS-520 No.5 was launched with a built-in microsatellite called "TRICOM-1R," an achievement developed by the University of Tokyo as another effort under the project.
2. Summary of the results
The SS-520 No.5 took flight as scheduled. It was confirmed that the rocket detached from the TRICOM-1R at approximately 7 and half minutes after the launching and settled into the orbit. The satellite is in a normal state.
