Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has expressed his strong determination to address the issues of security and nuclear threats in his New Year's message as the chair of the Group of Seven nations.

The prime minister says the world is facing its most challenging security environment in the post-war era, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine and growing nuclear anxiety.

Kishida notes that Japan will host the G7 summit this year in the atomic-bombed city of Hiroshima, and also serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

The prime minister says, "I intend to display our strong will to firmly reject unilateral changes to the status quo by force and nuclear threats, in a way appropriate for the weight this carries historically."

He goes on to say he will resolutely carry out his mission as prime minister to fully defend Japan and its people by stepping up diplomatic efforts and enhancing the country's defense capabilities.