Japanese Government Denies Report That President Moon Will Visit Japan During Tokyo Olympics

Gato Chief Cabinet Secretary Denies Yomiuri Shimbun Report
Reiterates Dokdo Sovereignty Claim Following Yesterday

Kato Katsunobu, Chief Cabinet Secretary
Photo by Yonhap News>

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The Japanese government denied on the 15th the Yomiuri Shimbun's report that President Moon Jae-in is coordinating a visit to Japan in connection with the Tokyo Olympics.

Kato Katsunobu, Chief Cabinet Secretary, said at a regular press conference that morning in response to related questions, "As far as I know, there is no such fact as reported."

Earlier, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the Korean side was exploring President Moon's visit to Japan in connection with the Tokyo Olympics, and that the Japanese side was inclined to accept it.

The Yomiuri reported that the Korean side intends to hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide for the first time during President Moon's visit to Japan.

Regarding the Japanese government's stance on a Korea-Japan summit, Kato said, "Since there is no such fact (as reported by Yomiuri), I will refrain from answering hypothetical questions."

Furthermore, Motegi Toshimitsu, Japanese Foreign Minister, also stated at a regular press conference that day, "There was a report from the Korean side that a preliminary (informal) meeting between the Korea-Japan leaders was prepared before the G7 summit, but we have clearly protested to the Korean side that this is contrary to the facts."

Foreign Minister Motegi said, "Of course, it is possible for either side to approach and greet each other," adding, "That is the only thing that actually happened between the Korea-Japan leaders."

Kato was also asked about any countermeasures Japan is considering regarding South Korea's Dokdo defense drills, to which he replied, "The government is paying close attention to the South Korean Navy's drills, so at this point, I will refrain from commenting."

Kato reiterated Japan's claim to sovereignty over Dokdo, saying, "Takeshima (the name Japan claims for Dokdo) is clearly Japan's inherent territory both in light of historical facts and international law."

He added, "Regarding the Takeshima issue, we intend to respond calmly and resolutely with the determination to firmly protect our country's territory, territorial waters, and airspace."

At a press conference the previous afternoon, Kato also claimed regarding South Korea's Dokdo defense drills, "Considering that Dokdo is clearly Japan's inherent territory both historically and under international law, it is unacceptable."