This explains the content of the press conference held by Prime Minister Ishiba on August 18, Reiwa 7, regarding his participation in the Ukraine Coalition Online Summit Meeting and response to heavy rain damage from August 6.
Japan's Position at Ukraine Coalition Meeting
Prime Minister Ishiba participated in the "Ukraine Coalition Online Summit Meeting" hosted by France, the UK, and Germany on the evening of August 17, where he emphasized that it is extremely important for discussions regarding matters fundamental to statehood, such as sovereignty and territory, to proceed with the involvement of Ukraine as the concerned party. This recognition was shared by all participating countries, confirming the position that discussions without Ukraine's involvement would not be acceptable.
A meeting scheduled for August 18 US time (August 19 Japan time) in the United States is expected to include participation from the US, Ukraine, European countries (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland), the EU, and NATO. Prime Minister Ishiba welcomed President Trump's proactive efforts and expressed positive evaluation of the meeting involving European leaders and Ukraine together.
Strong Concerns Over North Korea's Military Cooperation
The meeting expressed strong concerns about the progress of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, including North Korean soldiers' participation in combat against Ukraine and the provision of ammunition and artillery shells. Japan was the sole Asian participant in this meeting, emphasizing that the Ukraine issue is not merely a regional conflict but an important matter concerning global security including the Indo-Pacific and international order.
Designation of August 6 Heavy Rain Damage as Severe Disaster
Regarding damage from heavy rains starting August 6, as of 7:00 AM on August 18, human casualties included 8 deaths, 1 death under investigation, and 1 missing person, with building collapses and flooding reported across 12 prefectures from Aomori to Kagoshima. The government has been working on victim rescue, evacuation support, and prompt application of the Disaster Relief Act since immediately after the disaster occurred, announcing that this heavy rain damage is expected to be designated as a severe disaster.
Specifically, work is proceeding to designate it as a "main severe disaster" (nationwide severe disaster) that provides special national subsidy measures uniformly across the country for agricultural land and other disaster recovery projects. Given that recovery work will take place during severe lingering heat, thorough heat stroke prevention measures are being called for among local government staff and volunteers.
The article demonstrates the government's responsible response in both Japan's proactive international coordination stance on the Ukraine issue and establishing rapid support systems for domestic natural disaster response.