• Several governments, including those in Britain, France, Canada and Australia, have said they will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly this month
• The US had prompted Japan to forgo the recognition of a Palestinian state through several diplomatic channels

Arab News Japan

TOKYO: “We are closely monitoring the current international discussions regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state with significant interest,” Japanese Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi said at a press conference Tuesday.

He stressed that while Tokyo supports a two-state solution, the question of when to extend formal recognition remains under consideration.

Iwaya emphasized that Japan is conducting a “comprehensive assessment, including the appropriate timing and method” of recognition, adding that the government’s priority is to “first realize peace” and explore “the most appropriate, effective and practical measures” to support it.

He also addressed reports of US pressure on Tokyo, describing close dialogue with Washington as a normal part of alliance management, while denying that Japan’s policy decisions were dictated by such exchanges.

His comments came after the Asahi Shimbun reported that Japan had decided not to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, citing government sources who said the move was aimed at preserving ties with the United States and avoiding further escalation from Israel.

The report followed earlier claims by Japanese and international media that US officials had urged Japan not to proceed with recognition, while France’s foreign minister had pressed Tokyo in the opposite direction.

At the briefing, Iwaya reiterated Japan’s condemnation of Israel’s ongoing occupation efforts in Gaza and settlement expansion in the West Bank. He underlined the importance of keeping communication channels open with the US, given its influence over Israel, while also engaging directly with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Chief Cabinet Secretary HAYASHI Yoshimasa echoed Iwaya’s position, repeating that Japan continues to examine the issue of recognition carefully. However, he expressed deep concern over Israel’s current ground assault on Gaza City, warning that “the very foundations of a two-state solution could be collapsing.” Hayashi urged Israel to take “substantive steps” to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Despite Tokyo’s caution on recognition, Japan last week joined 142 nations at the United Nations in supporting a declaration calling for “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” toward achieving a two-state solution.

The debate over recognition has highlighted divisions within the international community. While governments such as Britain, France, Canada, and Australia have announced plans to recognize Palestine at the UN, officials from Germany and Italy have warned that immediate recognition could be counterproductive.

According to the Asahi Shimbun, Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru is expected to skip the UN meeting on Palestinian statehood in New York on Sept. 22.