Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary

JAPANESE

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO Sorry to have kept the members of the press waiting. One week has now passed since the unprecedented massive earthquake and tsunami. Once again I express my deepest condolences for the many people who lost their lives in this disaster, as well as my sympathy for the victims still suffering from its aftereffects.

It is with deep shame that the Government of Japan recognizes that many people continue to bear shortages of food, means of staying warm, and many other things as they live in a state of evacuation. Today, one week after the earthquake struck, we pledge to do everything within our power to improve these conditions however possible, and to continue dedicating our energy to this task.

This is all I have to say in my opening statement.