Statement by Minister-Counsellor Mr. Nobuyuki KIKUCHI at the 67th session of Working Group B
2026/8/25
Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the CTBT’s opening for signature. Yet the security landscape is growing more complex and dangerous. In these times, the CTBT matters more, not less. It remains a practical step toward nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
At the heart of the Treaty lies its verification regime, built on scientific and technical excellence. Even before entry into force, it has played an essential role within its provisional capabilities. We must keep it strong, drawing on the expertise gathered here.
Japan is pleased to note that Mr. Shigeru Osugi has been appointed as OSI Task Leader. We look forward to his contribution to WGB and to the verification regime.
The IMS is the linchpin of the regime and our highest priority. Japan appreciates the PTS’ efforts to maintain high data availability under zero nominal growth budget. We will continue supporting our national IMS stations, and call for greater efficiency based on accumulated experience.
Capacity building strengthens the verification regime. Japan will continue its own support, including the Global Seismological Observation Training Course with JICA.
The IFE in Namibia is a key opportunity to test and refine OSI capabilities. Japan will participate in the IFE26 high-level visit, while Japanese experts are contributing in the field.
Mr. Chair,
The CTBT must enter into force and become universal. As a member of the CTBT Friends, Japan remains committed to this goal. On September 22, we will convene the Twelfth Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the CTBT in New York. We call for the high-level participation and support for the joint statement which will be circulated in the coming weeks.
Japan welcomes the Kingdom of Tonga’s ratification as a milestone for universalization in the South Pacific, and commends Executive Secretary Dr. Floyd for his tireless efforts.
Lastly, North Korea’s nuclear issue is not merely a regional concern but a global challenge that strikes at the very core of the CTBT’s purpose and verification mandate. We must continue to take up this issue at this Working Group. Japan expresses serious concerns over the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear and missile development. We urge North Korea not to conduct any further destabilizing or provocative actions, including a nuclear test. Japan also urges North Korea to comply with its obligations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, to return to full compliance with the NPT and to sign and ratify the CTBT at the earliest possible date.
Mr. Chair,
As this is your final WGB as Chair, Professor Batyrbekov, Japan wishes to express its profound appreciation for your dedicated leadership. At a time when the international situation has cast a long shadow over our deliberations, and when bringing this body together has become ever more difficult, Japan deeply commends your steadfast efforts to preserve and further develop the WGB’s vital functions. Your stewardship has been a steadfast pillar of the Treaty’s technical foundations, ensuring that its essential work has endured and its technical foundations have continued to be strengthened.
Thirty years on, the CTBT remains essential. Let us turn this anniversary into renewed unity and action—and deliver results worthy of our shared responsibilities.
Thank you
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the CTBT’s opening for signature. Yet the security landscape is growing more complex and dangerous. In these times, the CTBT matters more, not less. It remains a practical step toward nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
At the heart of the Treaty lies its verification regime, built on scientific and technical excellence. Even before entry into force, it has played an essential role within its provisional capabilities. We must keep it strong, drawing on the expertise gathered here.
Japan is pleased to note that Mr. Shigeru Osugi has been appointed as OSI Task Leader. We look forward to his contribution to WGB and to the verification regime.
The IMS is the linchpin of the regime and our highest priority. Japan appreciates the PTS’ efforts to maintain high data availability under zero nominal growth budget. We will continue supporting our national IMS stations, and call for greater efficiency based on accumulated experience.
Capacity building strengthens the verification regime. Japan will continue its own support, including the Global Seismological Observation Training Course with JICA.
The IFE in Namibia is a key opportunity to test and refine OSI capabilities. Japan will participate in the IFE26 high-level visit, while Japanese experts are contributing in the field.
Mr. Chair,
The CTBT must enter into force and become universal. As a member of the CTBT Friends, Japan remains committed to this goal. On September 22, we will convene the Twelfth Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the CTBT in New York. We call for the high-level participation and support for the joint statement which will be circulated in the coming weeks.
Japan welcomes the Kingdom of Tonga’s ratification as a milestone for universalization in the South Pacific, and commends Executive Secretary Dr. Floyd for his tireless efforts.
Lastly, North Korea’s nuclear issue is not merely a regional concern but a global challenge that strikes at the very core of the CTBT’s purpose and verification mandate. We must continue to take up this issue at this Working Group. Japan expresses serious concerns over the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear and missile development. We urge North Korea not to conduct any further destabilizing or provocative actions, including a nuclear test. Japan also urges North Korea to comply with its obligations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, to return to full compliance with the NPT and to sign and ratify the CTBT at the earliest possible date.
Mr. Chair,
As this is your final WGB as Chair, Professor Batyrbekov, Japan wishes to express its profound appreciation for your dedicated leadership. At a time when the international situation has cast a long shadow over our deliberations, and when bringing this body together has become ever more difficult, Japan deeply commends your steadfast efforts to preserve and further develop the WGB’s vital functions. Your stewardship has been a steadfast pillar of the Treaty’s technical foundations, ensuring that its essential work has endured and its technical foundations have continued to be strengthened.
Thirty years on, the CTBT remains essential. Let us turn this anniversary into renewed unity and action—and deliver results worthy of our shared responsibilities.
Thank you