Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori will be allowed to remain in Japan, Foreign Minister Yohei Kono said Tuesday, without confirming whether the ousted leader has Japanese citizenship.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said later in the day that the government is still trying to determine whether Fujimori has Japanese citizenship.
Fukuda added that Fujimori has not asked to stay for an extended period in Japan.
Asked whether Fujimori has Japanese citizenship, as is being reported by some media organizations, Kono said, "It is up to the Justice Ministry to determine if (Fujimori) has Japanese nationality, and the Foreign Ministry will not make any judgment on the matter."
But Justice Minister Okiharu Yasuoka was reticent toward the question, saying, "(This is a) highly diplomatic issue."
"(How Fujimori will be treated from a diplomatic point of view) is a matter for the Foreign Ministry to make clear first," Yasuoka told a separate press conference. "As the justice minister I am certainly in charge of matters pertaining to nationality, but I am also in a position to consider the privacy of the person in question."
"I cannot give you an answer at present."
Kono said Yasuoka did not mention Fujimori during Tuesday's Cabinet meeting.
Several government sources on Monday said they believe Fujimori has Japanese citizenship.
Asked if Fujimori, 62, should return to Peru in the face of mounting criticism there, Kono said Japan should give the deposed leader time to consider his options.
"It's important to see what Mr. Fujimori wishes," Kono said. "My understanding is that Mr. Fujimori is saying he will be able to explain more and be understood by the Peruvian people if he has a little more time."
Fujimori's name registration has reportedly been found in Kumamoto Prefecture, where his parents were born.