Japan convenes NSC on Ukraine crisis... Embassy staff evacuation ordered

Matsuno Hirokazu, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary [Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] On the 14th, the Japanese government convened the National Security Council (NSC) chaired by Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to discuss the situation in Ukraine, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu announced.

At a regular press conference that day, Minister Matsuno conveyed that Prime Minister Kishida issued instructions to respond thoroughly regarding the protection of Japanese nationals. He stated, "Japan consistently supports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and plans to respond appropriately in coordination with the international community, including the Group of Seven (G7)."

Additionally, Minister Matsuno announced, "The Japanese Embassy in Ukraine has decided to evacuate most of its staff abroad, except for some, to prepare for unforeseen circumstances from today onward." He added that the embassy's functions will be scaled down, maintaining limited operations including consular services.

The Japanese government raised the risk information level to Level 4, the highest 'evacuation advisory,' for the entire region of Ukraine including the capital Kyiv on the 11th, urging Japanese nationals in the area to evacuate Ukraine immediately. It is reported that approximately 150 Japanese nationals are in Ukraine.

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