Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary

JAPANESE

With regard to the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plants, Prime Minister Kan went to TEPCO to figure out the current situation again, and some new developments that I did not have during my last press conference came to light. I would like to report on these as soon as possible to the people of Japan.

In the Unit 2 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, damage has been observed to the suppression pool, a slightly protruding section connected to containment vessel that condenses water vapor into liquid water. However, the readings of radiation levels in the surrounding area have shown no sudden rise, and are not at values that would represent a threat to the people's health.

All the same, we intend to take swift action in response to this situation. As I need to take orders from the Prime Minister at TEPCO, I need to leave you soon. If you have just one or two questions, please go ahead.