(On the Prime Minister’s responsibility for appointing YAMADA Makiko as Cabinet Public Relations Secretary)
 
First and foremost, it is extremely regrettable that there is a case in which Ms. Yamada [Makiko], Cabinet Public Relations Secretary, violated the National Public Service Ethics Act in the past. When appointing her to her current position, I was not aware of that violation. It is also a fact that Ms. Yamada felt keen responsibility on this matter and voluntarily returned part of her salary. I instructed the Chief Cabinet Secretary to reprimand her. As she has reflected on this matter sincerely, I would like her to continue to fulfill her role going forward.
 
 (On the Declaration of the State of Emergency)
 
Firstly, we have been advancing our efforts to prevent the spread of infections through significant cooperation from the citizens, with a target of lifting the declaration of a state of emergency on March 7. It is also a fact that, thanks to the public’s efforts and cooperation, the number of new infections has declined greatly. In response to this, some governors have requested that the state of emergency be lifted earlier than the target date. Against this backdrop, we intend to convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee and make a decision on the matter after listening to a range of views from the experts who sit on the committee.
 
Also, we would like to ask the citizens to keep up their efforts until the state of emergency is lifted, so as to contain this spread of infections.
 
With regard to vaccines, we will send out vaccine doses for the elderly to local governments during the week of April 5. These vaccines are scheduled to be administered beginning on April 12. Immediately after I finish taking your questions here, Minister Kono will hold a press conference and he will provide more details.
 
(On the dinner scandal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)

I feel very sorry that my eldest son was connected to the allegation and led to the relevant officials violating the National Public Service Ethics Act as a consequence. I would like to sincerely apologize to the citizens.
 
(On the dinner scandal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)

I have been explaining the matter to the public in all sincerity.
 
(On the dinner scandal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)

I was not aware of that at all. However, I believe that we must at least straighten ourselves up in such matters.
 
(On the reason why Tohoku Shinsha Film Corporation was given opportunities to host dinners multiple time)

I believe that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will conduct a thorough investigation on this matter.
 
(On Ms. Yamada staying in office)

She has reflected deeply upon the situation and apologized for her actions. With that in mind, I have great hopes for her as a female cabinet public relations secretary, and I would like her to dedicate herself to fulfilling that role.
 
 (On Ms. Yamada returning part of her salary)

I think she returned a portion of her salary based on the rules in place.