The Prime Minister Attends the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead
Cabinet Secretariat, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On August 15, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the annual memorial ceremony for the war dead held at the Nippon Budokan, in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
August 15 has been designated as the Day to Commemorate the War Dead and Pray for Peace, in order to pay respect to those who lost their lives in World War II and to pray for peace.
Approximately 6,500 people participated in the ceremony, including the Prime Minister of Japan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the House of Councillors, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, representatives of related organizations, and bereaved family members. Participants offered their heartfelt respects to all those who lost their lives in the War.
After the Prime Minister's address, all participants offered a minute of silent prayer, followed by the address of His Majesty The Emperor. Afterwards, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the House of Councillors, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the representative of the bereaved family members each gave a memorial address. The participants then offered flowers.
Address by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Seventy-Third National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead
Cabinet Secretariat, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
[Provisional translation]
In the gracious presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and with the attendance of bereaved families of the war dead, distinguished representatives of all sectors of society, and many others, I hereby commence the annual National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead.
Here, before the souls of those who, in a war which was extremely fierce and harsh, fell on the battlefields thinking of their homeland and concerned about their families, as well as the souls of those who perished amidst the ravages of war and those who lost their lives in remote foreign countries in the war’s aftermath, I offer my heartfelt prayers for the repose of those souls.
We will not forget even for a moment that the peace and prosperity we enjoy today was built atop the precious sacrifices of the war dead. I once again express my deepest respect and gratitude.
The large number of war dead whose remains have still not been recovered also never leaves our minds. We will spare no effort to enable their remains to return to their hometowns at the earliest possible time.
Since the end of the war, Japan has consistently and assiduously walked the path of a country that values peace. We have devoted ourselves to transforming the world into a better place.
We will never again repeat the devastation of war. Humbly facing history, we will remain committed to this resolute pledge, no matter what the era may bring. Earnestly working to tackle various issues that can become hotbeds of conflicts, we will tirelessly make efforts to bring about a world in which all people can live in a way that is rich in spirit. We will carve out the future of the nation for the generation alive now and the generations of tomorrow.
I will conclude my address by once again offering my heartfelt prayers for the repose of the souls of the war dead and for the happiness of the members of their bereaved families.
Shinzo Abe
Prime Minister of Japan
August 15, 2018
The Prime Minister Offers Prayers at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery
Cabinet Secretariat, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On August 15, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offered prayers at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery.
Japan-Peru Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Foreign Affairs, Tuesday, August 14, 2018
On August 14, commencing at 10 a.m. (local time; 12 a.m. on August 15, Japan time) for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting the Republic of Peru, held a foreign ministers' meeting with H.E. Mr. Nestor Popolizio, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1 At the beginning, Foreign Minister Kono expressed gratitude for the statement of condolence issued by the Government of Peru in regards to the torrential rain disaster in western Japan. Foreign Minister Kono stated that he is pleased to be holding a foreign ministers' meeting for the third year running, and intends to continue this favorable relationship with Peru's new Vizcarra Administration. In addition, Foreign Minister Kono explained that Peru is an important partner in promoting free trade, and he hopes to continue to coordinate with Peru to bring promptly the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) into effect.
2 Foreign Minister Kono stated that he hopes to deepen the relationship between Japan and Peru in various fields toward to the Japan-Peru Friendship Year in 2019, which will mark the 120th anniversary of the systematic immigration of Japanese nationals to Peru. Foreign Minister Kono explained that Japan has decided to set up an office of the Japan Foundation in Lima, the Foundation's first office in Spanish-speaking South America, as a base for strengthening exchanges on the cultural and academic fronts. In response, Foreign Minister Popolizio explained that Peru's Nikkei community has contributed to enriching Peruvian society, and that Peru also hopes to make the "Japan-Peru Friendship Year" an opportunity for further strengthening its relationship with Japan. In addition, Foreign Minister Kono expressed expectation that the business and investment environment for Japanese companies will be further improved in order to encourage investment and economic exchanges between the two countries.
3 Foreign Minister Kono stated that he intends to contribute to the development of Peru's comprehensive disaster prevention and urban transport infrastructure. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Kono noted that next year marks the 10th anniversary of Peru's adoption of the Japanese digital terrestrial television broadcasting system, and explained that Japan has cooperated with the popularization of digital terrestrial television broadcasting and with human resources development in Peru, including by dispatching experts and providing equipment, and expressed his intention to advance bilateral cooperation in the various fields of information and communications technology (ICT) in order to improve Peru's disaster prevention, education and medical care. Foreign Minister Kono also mentioned promoting academic exchanges.
4 The two ministers confirmed that on the basis of Peru's role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) they will cooperate not only on bilateral relations but in responding to challenges facing the UN as well as global challenges, such as UNSC reform and disarmament. With regard to the North Korea situation, the two sides shared the view that they will work together to realize the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement (CVID) of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges by North Korea, and the full implementation of the UNSC resolutions. In addition, Foreign Minister Kono obtained Foreign Minister Popolizio's support with regard to the prompt resolution of the abductions issue.
Foreign Minister Kono raised the issue of regional affairs, including Venezuela and Nicaragua, and with regard to the situation in Venezuela, he expressed respect for Peru's leadership, including the Lima Group, and the two sides shared concerns regarding that situation. In addition, with regard to cooperation between Japan and the Pacific Alliance, having Peru as its member, the two ministers also held a meaningful exchange of views regarding various efforts, including strengthening dialogue.
5 Furthermore, following the foreign ministers' meeting, a Japan-Peru foreign ministers' joint press occasion was held, along with a ceremony to award the Order of the Sun of Peru to Foreign Minister Kono, and a lunch meeting hosted by Foreign Minister Popolizio.
Japan-Ecuador Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, E/N Signing Ceremony, Joint Press Occasion and Lunch Meeting Hosted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador
Foreign Affairs, Monday, August 13, 2018
On August 13, commencing at 10 a.m. (local time; 12 a.m. on August 14, Japan time) for approximately 70 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting the Republic of Ecuador, held a foreign ministers’ meeting with H.E. Mr. José Samuel Valencia Amores, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador, in Ecuador’s capital city of Quito. Following the meeting Foreign Minister Kono attended an Exchange of Notes (E/N) signing ceremony, a joint press occasion and a lunch meeting hosted by Foreign Minister Valencia. The overview is as follows.
1 At the beginning, Foreign Minister Kono explained that he has at last been able to visit Ecuador as Japan’s Foreign Minister for the first time in last 100 years this year, which marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ecuador, and he started that forward it will be necessary to further promote exchanges between the two countries. Foreign Minister Kono also conveyed his condolences to the victims of the abductions, murders and bombings that occurred on Ecuador’s northern border region this year. In response, Foreign Minister Valencia welcomed Foreign Minister Kono’s first visit to Ecuador, and stated that he hopes to collaborate more closely with Japan on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
2 Foreign Minister Kono expressed support for the Moreno Administration’s open politics and economic reform, along with expressing expectation that more Japanese companies will advance in Ecuador. Foreign Minister Kono also welcomed that the cooperative relationship is advancing steadily in the public and private sectors in the fields of information and communications technology (ICT) and digital terrestrial television broadcasting, and stated that he by all means hopes Ecuador will utilize Japanese companies’ highly trustworthy technologies for its future development. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Kono expressed expectation that Ecuador’s exports of bananas, cacao beans and other products to Japan will increase through the cooperation of Japan. In addition, Foreign Minister Kono explained that the Government of Japan recently decided to provide grant aid to the Government of Ecuador for the provision of disaster-prevention equipment, and intends to continue to cooperate in the disaster prevention field in the future. In response, Foreign Minister Valencia expressed gratitude for this cooperation by Japan, and explained that Ecuador intends to cooperate with Japan in various fields, including disaster prevention, and to further expand bilateral trade and investment in the future.
3 The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on cooperation in the international arena. Foreign Minister Kono conveyed his congratulations on the election of H.E. Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador and Foreign Minister Valencia’s predecessor, as the President of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, and also confirmed that Japan will strengthen coordination with Ecuador in the international arena, including the UN, in various fields such as United Nations Security Council reform, and disarmament and nonproliferation. Furthermore, the two foreign ministers held a meaningful exchange of views on the Venezuela situation and the North Korea situation, and shared the view that they will closely coordinate.
4 Following the meeting, the two foreign ministers attended an E/N signing regarding cooperation in the field of disaster prevention, and an unveiling ceremony of a stamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and then the two sides held a joint press occasion.
Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Maritime Interdiction Exercise "Pacific Shield 18" hosted by Japan
Foreign Affairs, Monday, August 13, 2018
1. Overview
(1) Dates and Venues:
Dates: July 24-26, 2018
[note] The capacity building program was held from July 22 to July 27.
Venues: Yokosuka City, off Boso Peninsula and Izu Peninsula, etc.
(2) Participating Countries (6 countries in the Asia-Pacific Exercise Rotation (APER)):
Japan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Police Agency, Ministry of Finance (Japan Customs), Japan Coast Guard, Ministry of Defense, etc.), Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United States
(3) Observer Countries (19 countries):
Operational Experts Group (OEG) members (8 countries):
Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Russia
PSI-endorsing countries in the Asia-Pacific (6 countries):
Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam
Non PSI-endorsing countries in the Asia-Pacific (5 countries):
India, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, and Pakistan
(4) Background:
Pacific Shield 18 was held as the fifth iteration of the Asia-Pacific Exercise Rotation (APER), which was created at the PSI 10th Anniversary High Level Political Meeting in 2013.
It was also the fourth PSI exercise hosted by Japan, following maritime interdiction exercises Team Samurai 04 (October 2004) and Pacific Shield 07 (October 2007) and air interdiction exercise Pacific Shield 12 (July 2012).
(5) Objectives:
To enhance capabilities and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region to counter proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)
To promote understanding of PSI activities
To conduct outreach to non PSI-endorsing countries
2. Welcome Reception hosted by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwao Horii (July 23)
(1) Venue:
Hotel in Yokosuka City
(2) Participants:
Representatives from APER and observer countries; Mayor Katsuaki Kamiji of Yokosuka City, etc. (Approximately 150 participants)
(3) Summary:
In his welcome remarks, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Iwao Horii expressed his strong hope that this exercise will advance PSI objectives by enhancing capacity and cooperation across the region, raising awareness among participants, and demonstrating participating countries' strong commitment. Mr. Horii also stated that Japan, through inter-agency cooperation, will work with PSI partners in the years ahead to further promote international peace and security.
3. Academic Session (July 24)
(1) Venue:
Hotel in Yokosuka City
(2) Participants:
Representatives from APER and observer countries
(3) Summary:
Experts from APER countries provided presentations on PSI activities and non-proliferation issues.
4. Live Exercise (LIVEX) (July 25)
(1) Venue:
Off Boso Peninsula and Izu Peninsula
(2) Participants:
Japan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense), Australia, the Republic of Korea, and the United States
(3) Summary:
A. LIVEX-Air (Australia, Japan, and the United States)
Patrol aircraft AP-3C from the Royal Australian Air Force, P-1 from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and P-8 from the U.S. Navy conducted an exercise on searching a suspect vessel and sharing the information.
B. LIVEX-Sea (Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States)
Destroyer Murasame and a boarding team from JMSDF, USS Milius from the U.S. Navy, a boarding team from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and a boarding team from the Republic of Korea Coast Guard (ROKCG) conducted an exercise as follows:
-Destroyer Murasame found a suspect vessel and asked it to stop and cooperate with inspection.
-Destroyer Murasame dispatched a boarding team, which then embarked the suspect vessel and searched the vessel for suspect materials.
-USCG and ROKCG boarding teams each embarked the suspect vessel from USS Milius and searched the vessel for suspect materials.
5. Table Top Exercise (TTX) (July 25)
(1) Venue:
Hotel in Yokosuka City
(2) Participants:
Representatives from APER countries, including Japan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Police Agency, Japan Coast Guard, and Ministry of Defense), and observer countries
(3) Summary:
Participants conducted a table top simulation based on a fictional WMD proliferation scenario to examine national decision-making and multilateral cooperation for taking counter-proliferation measures.
6. Port Exercise (PORTEX) (July 26)
(1) Venue:
Kurihama Pier at the Port of Yokosuka
(2) Participants:
Japan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Police Agency, Ministry of Finance (Customs), Japan Coast Guard, Ministry of Defense), the United States (Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Army, Marine Corps, Nevada National Guard), Republic of Korea Army, Philippine Army, and Royal Thai Army
(3) Summary:
A. Exercise by Japanese law enforcement agencies
A joint inspection team from the Kanagawa Prefectural Police, Yokohama Customs, and Japan Coast Guard conducted an exercise for the on-board inspection of a suspect vessel and the inspection of a suspect cargo containing chemical materials.
B. Exercise by Kanagawa Prefectural Police and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF)
Kanagawa Prefectural Police Counter NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) Terrorism Special Team and JGSDF NBC Team demonstrated the detection and decontamination of chemical materials.
C. Joint Exercise by the United States, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines and Thailand
A joint team from the United States, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines and Thailand conducted the on-board inspection of a suspect vessel and the inspection of a suspect cargo containing radioactive materials at the port, as part of the capacity building program for the Philippines and Thailand.
7. Capacity Building Program (led by the United States) (July 22-27)
(1) Venue:
Hotel in Yokosuka City, Kurihama Pier at the Port of Yokosuka, and JGSDF Chemical School
(2) Participants:
Japan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense), the United States (Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Army, Marine Corps, Nevada National Guard), Australian Department of Defence, Republic of Korea Army, Philippine Army, and Royal Thai Army
[note] Representatives from Malaysia joined the program as observers.
(3) Summary:
The United States, Australia, the Republic of Korea, and Japan provided presentations and hands-on training for representatives from the Philippines and Thailand on the detection of radioactive materials. On July 27, the participants visited the JGSDF Chemical School to conduct the training on detection and decontamination.
Vientiane International Airport Terminal Handover Ceremony: Meeting the rising demand for air travel with a public-private partnership
JICA, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
On August 9, a handover ceremony was held as the culmination of the Vientiane International Airport Terminal Expansion Project, which has been supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with Japanese ODA loan. Attendees included Somdy Douangdy, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Bounchanh Sinthavong, Minister of Public Works and Transport, representing the Government of Laos and Kazuyuki Nakane, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, representing the Government of Japan.
Under the project, expansion of the international passenger terminal, construction of a new domestic passenger terminal and other works were carried out at Wattay International Airport, which is located in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. As the gateway to the country, the airport is seeing a rise in the number of tourists. It is estimated that the number of travelers using the airport will increase from 690,000 (international) and 300,000 (domestic) in 2014 to 1.51 million and 460,000, respectively, by 2023. The project will accommodate the rapidly rising air traveler demand, improve airport convenience, efficiency and safety, and contribute to the long-term economic promotion of Laos.
In 2014, JICA signed a Japanese ODA loan agreement for 9.017 billion yen for the project, and has assisted in the expansion of the international passenger terminal, the construction of the new domestic passenger terminal building, and the development of peripheral facilities (such as parking facilities, roads and taxiways).
At the handover ceremony, Somdy said that, in addition to contributing to socioeconomic development in Laos, the project is an important symbol of the friendship between Laos and Japan. Nakane said that Japan would continue to support “Quality Infrastructure Investment” in areas where the environment and safety are prioritized, such as the Wattay International Airport, and that he looked forward to continued high-quality service with the participation of Japanese companies in the airport management.
The project was carried out under a public-private partnership with Toyota Tsusho Corporation and JALUX, Inc., which are involved in a management and operation project for the airport. With the enhanced functionality developed through Japanese ODA loan, the airport will now be managed and operated with a foundation of Japanese private sector expertise, and it is expected that high-quality airport operation services will continue to be provided.
JICA will continue to provide cooperation to contribute to socioeconomic development in Laos, through partnerships with the private sector.
