Kishida Emphasizes "A World Without Nuclear Weapons" at G7 Summit

Holding New Year's Press Conference After Visiting Ise Jingu Shrine
"Must Unite with G7 and the World for Universal Values"

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is holding a press conference at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo on the 16th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Junran] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on the 4th that he will deliver a strong message toward a "nuclear-free world" at the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit to be held in Hiroshima this May.

After paying respects at Ise Shrine (伊勢神宮) in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Prime Minister Kishida said at a press conference, "Serious concerns surrounding nuclear weapons are escalating due to Russia." He emphasized, "We must show solidarity among the G7 and the world to uphold universal values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law."

To this end, Kishida announced plans to visit G7 member countries France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States starting from the 9th. Regarding the Japan-US summit with President Joe Biden on the 13th, he stated, "Based on the revision of the three major security documents, we will further strengthen the Japan-US alliance," adding, "We intend to confirm close cooperation."

Above all, he stressed that as the G7 chair country this year, he will demonstrate leadership in responding to the war in Ukraine and other issues. He explained that the summit will address Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the food and energy crises, infectious disease countermeasures, and global warming.

Kishida further stated, "This year will be a turning point in terms of international order, history, and the economy," citing virtuous cycles of growth and distribution and measures against the declining birthrate as key national agenda items to focus on throughout the year. He added, "We will continue to tackle issues that can no longer be postponed."

He emphasized his goal to realize wage increases that exceed the inflation rate to establish a strong foundation for economic growth. He also pointed out Japan's economic situation, where corporate profits have increased over the past 30 years but workers' wages have barely risen. He promised, "We will break away from neoliberal thinking and vigorously promote wage increases and investment distribution."

Regarding measures against the declining birthrate, he said, "We will strengthen economic support" and "expand services for families with children and promote reforms in working styles." Earlier, the Japanese government decided to establish a "Children and Families Agency" directly under the Prime Minister in April as a response to the rapid decline in Japan's birthrate. Last year, the number of births is expected to fall below 800,000, marking the lowest point since related statistics began.

The Ise Shrine that Prime Minister Kishida visited is a shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the ancestral deity of the Japanese imperial family, and is known as a sacred site for Japan's conservative faction. He also paid respects at Ise Shrine and held a New Year's press conference on January 4 last year. This year, after three years, ministers accompanied him, including eight cabinet members such as Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura and Minister for Digital Affairs Taro Kono.