Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• SCMAGLEV

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV) has set a record for speed. If you have any comments on this, could you please share them?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have taken a test ride of the maglev train before. It offers excellent riding comfort. The train features the best that Japan’s technology has to offer. Indeed, it is a train that befits the 21st century. Today, the maglev train became the first train in the world to travel at a speed of about 600 km/h, a speed that we could previously only dream of. It is truly outstanding that the train marked speeds in the 600 km/h range today. I look forward to the maglev train starting commercial operations as quickly as possible.

REPORTER: I have a question in connection with the maglev train. I imagine that Japan will take such opportunities as the Japan-U.S. summit meeting to promote the maglev train, if I can call it that, or urge the United States to adopt the maglev train system. What is your outlook in this regard?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not yet aware as to whether this will be discussed during the summit meeting. In any case, if I am not mistaken, this matter was on the agenda of the first summit meeting two years ago. Furthermore, enhancements have been made to the maglev technology. Accordingly, I hope that the United States will introduce the technology, which would symbolize the friendship between Japan and the United States.