Japanese Prime Minister Kishida "Hopes for Early Visit to US to Confirm Japan-US Alliance"

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his intention to visit the United States early this year to strengthen and reaffirm the US-Japan alliance.

In a radio interview with a local broadcaster aired on the same day, Prime Minister Kishida said, "I will properly explain the situation regarding defense enhancement to (US President Joe Biden)" and added, "Since this leads to increasing the deterrence and response capabilities of the US-Japan alliance, it is important to confirm that the United States will definitely cooperate." This interview was recorded on the 19th of last month.

Taking advantage of Japan’s role as the chair of the Group of Seven (G7) this year, Prime Minister Kishida plans to tour G7 member countries and hold summit meetings within this month. He plans to visit the United Kingdom, France, and Italy first. Then, he intends to visit Washington DC, USA for the first time since his inauguration in October 2021, to hold a summit meeting with President Biden.

During the meeting with President Biden, Prime Minister Kishida is expected to explain the Japanese government’s decision to fundamentally strengthen defense capabilities, including acquiring counterattack capabilities through revisions of three major security documents such as the National Security Strategy last month, and securing 43 trillion yen (approximately 420 trillion won) over five years from this year for defense maintenance costs.

Regarding the revision of the joint statement between the government and the Bank of Japan, which served as the basis for promoting monetary easing to revive Japan’s long-stagnant economy, Kishida said, "I need to talk with the new Bank of Japan governor about whether to reconsider it or not," and added, "I will build a trusting relationship with the new governor and confirm coordination." In this regard, concerning the successor to Haruhiko Kuroda, Governor of the Bank of Japan, whose term ends in April, he only said, "I will consider who would be a suitable governor."