"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister regarding the Content of Discussions by the National Security Council, Which Convened regarding the Situation in Ukraine

[Place]
[Date] February 24, 2022
[Source] Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet
[Notes] Provisional Translation
[Full text]

(On the content of discussions by the National Security Council (NSC) and future responses to be taken by the Government of Japan)

First of all, just now we held a National Security Council Four Ministers meeting, where the ministers received detailed explanations about the situation in Ukraine from relevant ministries and agencies. As the situation is becoming tense, I instructed the relevant ministries and agencies to work to the greatest possible extent to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in Ukraine and also to, within the Government, continue to work to gather more detailed information and accurately assess the situation.

The invasion by Russia that just occurred undermines the roots of the international order; we will not accept a unilateral change to the status quo by force or coercion. We strongly condemn Russia and will deal with this issue swiftly in cooperation with the United States and other members of the international community.

(On whether or not sanctions were discussed)

At the meeting we confirmed that we will respond in cooperation with the international community. We will consider future responses in concrete terms after assessing the situation of relevant countries and thoroughly establishing effective communication and contacts with them. I gave especially strongly-worded instructions at this meeting regarding the importance of extensively gathering information and protecting our nationals.