"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] Video Message by Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio at the Bucha Summit on Russia's Accountability for the Crimes in Ukraine

[Place]
[Date] April 4, 2023
[Source] Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet
[Notes] Provisional translation
[Full text]

I am KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan.

Let me express my utmost respect for the leadership of President Zelenskyy, who has organized this summit meeting amid the grave difficulties, and the courage and perseverance of the Ukrainian people, who are standing up for their homeland and freedom.

Last week, during my visit to Ukraine, I stopped by Bucha and witnessed the scourge of Russia's aggression with my own eyes. In Bucha, I offered flowers to the victims and listened directly to those who had experienced atrocities, and was truly outraged by the gravity of inexcusable violence of Russia. I once again extend my sincerest condolences to victims and their families in various parts of Ukraine.

I told President Zelenskyy that Japan is determined to continue strict sanctions against Russia and strong support for Ukraine, and reaffirmed Japan's solidarity with Ukraine at the summit meeting in Kyiv.

Russia's aggression is a serious violation of the international law.

Russia must be held accountable. There must be no impunity for war crimes and other acts of atrocities. Japan will continue demonstrating its strong determination to uphold the international order based on the rule of law as the G7 Presidency this year.

Japan will stand with Ukraine to restore peace on the beautiful land of Ukraine.