Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba has opened up his weekly press conferences to the international community by providing simultaneous English interpreting services. The first bilingual press conference was held early in January when two non-Japanese-speaking reporters used headsets to hear the conference interpreted into English. The Foreign Minister’s press briefings previously were only available in Japanese, and this was the first time non-Japanese-speaking reporters attended. Since last March’s earthquake, the Prime Minister’s Official Residence has spent nearly 10-million yen on equipment to provide interpreting services. Genba says that the simultaneous interpreting will make it possible to give the international community more accurate information about Japan's stance on important issues. Gakushuin Women's College Professor Yasuharu Ishizawa says the interpreting services are long overdue, but she adds, "Things like off-the-record conferences are where the really important information is provided. So it doesn't mean much if (interpreting) isn't provided there as well. In terms of attitude, it's a plus for the government. But, whether that counts as 0.1, 10, or 100 points is something we have to wait for and see."
From "Foreign Ministry Hires Interpreters for Media"
Japan Times (Japan) (01/20/12) Aiki, Mizuho