声明を発表する
seimei o happyo suru
issue a statement
Literally: 声明 (declaration/statement) + を (object marker) + 発表する (to announce/publish)
In 15 Seconds
- Official public announcement of a specific stance.
- Used by organizations, governments, or public figures.
- Signals a serious, deliberate, and professional tone.
Meaning
This phrase is used when an organization or public figure officially shares their stance or opinion with the world. It is like 'going on the record' to clarify a situation or take a stand.
Key Examples
3 of 6A tech company addressing a data leak
その企業は、データ流出に関する公式声明を発表した。
The company issued an official statement regarding the data leak.
Two countries finishing a summit
両国は平和維持に関する共同声明を発表しました。
Both countries issued a joint statement regarding peacekeeping.
A famous actor announcing their marriage
人気俳優が所属事務所を通じて声明を発表した。
The popular actor issued a statement through their agency.
Cultural Background
The 'Apology Press Conference' ({謝罪|しゃざい}{会見|かいけん}) is a unique cultural phenomenon where the {声明|せいめい} is read aloud while bowing deeply. Companies often use 'IR' (Investor Relations) statements as a form of {声明|せいめい} to stabilize stock prices during uncertainty. NHK and major newspapers use 'Kantei-seimei' to refer specifically to statements coming from the Prime Minister's official residence. The 'Notes App Apology' is common among Japanese YouTubers, who post a screenshot of a formal {声明|せいめい} to their followers.
Look for the Noun
If you see the word {声明|せいめい} in a headline, look for the particle を and the verb {発表|はっぴょう} right after it. They are best friends.
Register Check
Don't use this in a job interview to describe your personal goals. It sounds like you're reading a manifesto.
In 15 Seconds
- Official public announcement of a specific stance.
- Used by organizations, governments, or public figures.
- Signals a serious, deliberate, and professional tone.
What It Means
声明を発表する is the gold standard for official communication. It is not just talking or chatting. It is a formal declaration of intent or opinion. When you see this in the news, someone is making a serious move. It implies that the words have been carefully chosen. They carry the weight of an entire group or a public persona.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with a subject that has some authority. Think of big companies, government bodies, or even famous celebrities. The structure is simple: [Subject] が [Statement Type] 声明を発表した. You can add adjectives like 公式 (official) to make it even heavier. It sounds very professional and definitive.
When To Use It
Use this when a company responds to a scandal. Use it when two countries agree on a new trade deal. You will see it often in newspapers and TV news. It is perfect for professional writing or reporting. If you are a manager, you might use it for a major policy change. It tells everyone, "This is our final, official word."
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for your daily life or small talk. If you tell your roommate, "I am issuing a statement that I am hungry," you will sound like a weird robot. It is too heavy for casual plans. Avoid it in texts unless you are being intentionally funny. It is not for sharing secrets or gossip. It is for public, high-stakes information only.
Cultural Background
In Japan, the 'official' word is incredibly important for maintaining harmony. This is the omote (public face) of a situation. A 声明 is often the result of many internal meetings. It represents a consensus within a group. Japanese society values these clear, public markers to resolve confusion or conflict. It is about taking responsibility in the public eye.
Common Variations
You will often hear 共同声明 (joint statement) between two parties. Another common one is 抗議声明 (statement of protest). If a company is sorry, they might issue an 謝罪声明 (statement of apology). Each variation keeps the same formal structure. They all signal that the speaker is being very serious and deliberate.
Usage Notes
This is a high-level formal collocation. Use it in professional writing, news reporting, or when discussing organizational actions. Avoid it in casual conversation unless you are making a joke.
Look for the Noun
If you see the word {声明|せいめい} in a headline, look for the particle を and the verb {発表|はっぴょう} right after it. They are best friends.
Register Check
Don't use this in a job interview to describe your personal goals. It sounds like you're reading a manifesto.
Passive Power
In news, you'll often see '{声明|せいめい}が{出|だ}された'. This is a shorter, slightly less formal way to say the statement was issued.
Examples
6その企業は、データ流出に関する公式声明を発表した。
The company issued an official statement regarding the data leak.
This is the most standard, professional use of the phrase.
両国は平和維持に関する共同声明を発表しました。
Both countries issued a joint statement regarding peacekeeping.
Using 'joint statement' shows cooperation between two entities.
人気俳優が所属事務所を通じて声明を発表した。
The popular actor issued a statement through their agency.
Common in entertainment news for major life events.
「誰が皿を洗うかについて、声明を発表します！」
I am issuing a statement regarding who will wash the dishes!
Using such a formal phrase for a trivial chore is funny.
団体は新しい法律に反対する抗議声明を発表した。
The group issued a statement of protest against the new law.
Shows the phrase used for activism and taking a stand.
さっき、政府が新しい方針の声明を発表したみたいだよ。
Looks like the government just issued a statement on the new policy.
Even in casual texts, the phrase itself remains formal when referring to news.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb form.
{政府|せいふ}は{新|あたら}しい{法律|ほうりつ}に{関|かん}する{声明|せいめい}を（ ）。
{声明|せいめい} is always paired with {発表|はっぴょう}する in formal contexts.
Which situation is most appropriate for using '{声明|せいめい}を{発表|はっぴょう}する'?
Select the correct context:
This phrase is for formal, public announcements by organizations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {不祥事|ふしょうじ}の{件|けん}、どうなっていますか？ B: （ ）
The speaker is confirming that an official statement has been released.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{政府|せいふ}は{新|あたら}しい{法律|ほうりつ}に{関|かん}する{声明|せいめい}を（ ）。
{声明|せいめい} is always paired with {発表|はっぴょう}する in formal contexts.
Select the correct context:
This phrase is for formal, public announcements by organizations.
A: {不祥事|ふしょうじ}の{件|けん}、どうなっていますか？ B: （ ）
The speaker is confirming that an official statement has been released.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsOnly if the blog post is very serious, like an official announcement of your retirement from a career. Otherwise, it sounds too dramatic.
{宣言|せんげん} (sengen) is a 'declaration' (like the Declaration of Independence). It's even more grand and often refers to a new beginning or a major state of affairs (e.g., Emergency Declaration).
Yes, {出|だ}す (dasu) is a very common, slightly less formal alternative to {発表|はっぴょう}する. It's used frequently in conversation and headlines.
Japanese talent agencies are very protective. Any change in a celebrity's life is handled as a 'corporate' matter, hence the formal {声明|せいめい}.
Related Phrases
{記者|きしゃ}{会見|かいけん}を{開|ひら}く
similarTo hold a press conference.
{公式|こうしき}に{認|みと}める
builds onTo officially admit/recognize.
{沈黙|ちんもく}を{守|まも}る
contrastTo remain silent.
{遺憾|いかん}の{意|い}を{表|あらわ}す
specialized formTo express regret.
