Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary

JAPANESE

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Edano

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Good morning.

The various relevant departments have already made their reports to the press, so I have nothing new for you. If you have any questions, go right ahead.

Q&As

REPORTER: I'm with Nippon TV.

This may be revisiting already announced information, but yesterday radiation was detected in the Tokyo water supply, and distribution of bottled water has begun for families with infants.

First, the amount of water available for distribution is insufficient according to the Tokyo Metropolitan authorities, and the national government is apparently considering requesting beverage makers to boost output of bottled water. What is the thinking on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: The upper limits for radiation levels in tap water are set at very low levels; even if you were to drink this water for a lengthy period, there would be no effect on your health. Based on these levels, though, the authorities are requesting to avoid as much as possible giving this water to infants, and asking that various measures be taken.

In line with this, in the case of Tokyo, what we have is the authorities considering these issues and asking people to avoid letting infants drink tap water, based on these extremely cautious standards. Conditions now are such that all other people can drink the water with close to zero possibility that it will impact their health. Therefore, I ask people who are not caring for an infant to act calmly. At the same time, the Tokyo authorities are taking a realistic stance and implementing every possible measure to ensure that there is no impact on families with infants. At the national level, we will issue instructions to the relevant departments to increase production of bottled beverages and provide an appropriate supply of them.

REPORTER: You're asking drink manufacturers to take these steps, but meanwhile, from the manufacturers' perspective, ever since the earthquake struck they have been working to increase their output, and some are saying that in the present situation it will be very hard to boost production still more. In light of this, what other measures will the government take, and are you considering requesting water supplies from outside Japan as well?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: We are considering all the possibilities. However, to repeat, really, the safety levels we have here?and these are not applicable to water only, but to a whole range of things?are based on continued ingestion over a long period of time. A number of these standard values have been set, and we are asking people to act based on these. With respect to tap water, the radiation levels now being detected in Tokyo are well below the acceptable levels set for everyone except infants. I ask people please to act calmly. We will continue to offer repeated, careful explanations of what sort of standards these values are based on.

REPORTER: I'm Sato of the Asahi Shimbun.

Images being shown on NHK seem to show smoke coming from a number of places in the reactors. Could you tell us the facts behind that? Also, what is the understanding of the Japanese government on remarks made yesterday by Haruki Madarame, Chair of the Nuclear Safety Commission, to the effect that meltdown is quite advanced in the Unit 1 reactor, and that the situation in that reactor is the most dangerous?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Firstly, regarding the smoke. In a situation where there is water in the spent fuel pools, and in which that water is being used to carry out cooling, it is only natural for a certain amount of vapor to be given off as steam. At the same time, we are naturally considering all the possibilities and are doing our utmost to ascertain the facts of the situation, with people on the scene analyzing the situation at present.

On the subject of Chairperson Madarame's remarks yesterday, I would like to emphasize once again that despite some quite optimistic reports that have been appearing in the media, the situation at the nuclear power station has not reached a state where we can be optimistic. The situation at present is that for several days we have managed to prevent any further deterioration of the situation and, thanks to the work of the people on the ground, have even made some progress toward improvements, for example with the electrical system and so on. We continue to regard the situation with a deep sense of urgency as we respond to the various issues involved.

In that context, a situation arose yesterday in which the temperature in the Unit 1 reactor was increasing. Thanks to a redoubling of cooling operation efforts by the people on the ground, we understand that temperatures have now started to drop. However, as a result pressure inside the reactor has risen to a correspondingly high level. At the moment there is no immediate danger of a serious occurrence. Operations to cool the reactor are continuing firmly as we work on addressing the question of how to reduce the pressure.

In this sense, the reports I have received suggest that Professor Madarame's understanding as a specialist is that the situation at the Unit 1 reactor requires greater effort and attention to be paid to it, relatively speaking.

REPORTER: I am Kuribayashi of the Yomiuri Shimbun. I would like to ask about Unit 1. Can you tell us about the level of the damage to the core and whether or not there has already been some damage resulting to the pressure container because of that? Or else, what about the risk of damage occurring to that going forward? Please tell us what your views are on that matter now.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I have received a report that as of now there has been no damage to the pressure container. However, the current situation at this nuclear reactor is that we are working on cooling it and bringing down the temperature and the pressure, and this is happening step by step. And for example, there are different ways of monitoring the temperature and this is being accomplished to differing degrees. And the experts involved who are looking at those figures must continue to focus and respond with caution not only to Unit 1 but also other units, and in this sense the situation has not changed. This situation continues and we will keep our vigilance moving forward.

REPORTER: I am Koketsu of Jiji Press. A little while ago I understand that Mr. Madarame who is the Chairman of the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) and Minister Kaieda went to see the Prime Minister with you. What did the Prime Minister say to Mr. Madarame?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: A variety of reports were given and confirmed regarding the situation up until this morning. After that the NSC gave advice on various safety steps to the Government. In some cases, the Commission must give recommendations and therefore that it is taking on a very important role. One of those is making recommendations and advice regarding the safety of nuclear power plants and how to manage risks. This time as well, Mr. Madarame played a central role in advancing things forward. And now, as the effects of radiation are being seen in water and vegetables and elsewhere, the Prime Minister gave instructions to the Commission to redouble their efforts. The Prime Minister's Office will be backing the Commission in various ways for its members as well as the secretariat to respond with an even more thorough approach.

REPORTER: In that context, you are saying that the Prime Minister instructed Mr. Madarame to provide appropriate guidance to the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA). Can you tell us the intention behind these instructions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Based on the expert opinions both from NISA of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) which is in charge of the management of nuclear reactors as well as the NSC which is in charge of making advice and recommendations to the Government, a response is now being taken toward the nuclear power plants and to counter the impact on society of the radiation that is coming out from these plants. But unfortunately it is the case that right now the influence is spreading, and we are seeing its effects in the water and vegetables. Therefore, the Prime Minister expects the members of the NSC to thoroughly fulfill their roles in these aspects as well.

At the same time the Prime Minister said that he would like to make sure that the safety of the nuclear plant itself and the surrounding area is also secured. In that context the Prime Minister said that he would like to see strengthened coordination between the NSC and NISA. Those were the kind of remarks that the Prime Minister made.

REPORTER: Do you believe that during this period of time there has been sufficient cooperation between NISA and the NSC and that they have sufficiently fulfilled their respective roles?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: As far as that matter is concerned, I'm of the view that utmost efforts are being made, but I am sure that there are various opinions in that regard. However, considering that the role of the NSC is expanding, that they are also expected to respond to various impacts on the surrounding environment, I believe that the Prime Minister wanted NSC to maintain close cooperation with NISA under the current condition.

REPORTER: I am Oda of the Sankei Shimbun. Today, an official announcement was made for the election of 12 prefectural governors, marking the start of the unified local elections. What do you think is the main point of this campaign?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I believe that it will be up to each candidate. It goes without saying that given my current position as a member of the Diet there is no way that I have absolutely no connection to the unified local elections. However, I want to leave it to the various political parties or respective communities. As Chief Cabinet Secretary, I intend to devote my fullest efforts to responding to the earthquake disaster and nuclear situation, and therefore I will leave it to the people campaigning in their respective prefectures to decide what should be done for the elections.

REPORTER: In that connection, it appears that the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) was not able to put forward a candidate for the gubernational election in Tokyo, which is in fact the capital of Japan. What are your thoughts regarding that matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I believe that you should ask that question to someone in the party instead.

REPORTER: I am Kobayashi of TV Asahi. Returning to the topic of the nuclear power plants, can you tell us whether or not in monitoring sea water around the plants you have discovered any new data indicating something out of the ordinary? Can you also give us any comments about how the monitoring will be carried out going forward?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I can tell you that as far as the situation was just before I began this conference, there have been no new reports delivered to me. As far as the timing is concerned at which announcements are made of the factual data that is gathered by various organizations that are conducting surveys, I have given instructions for them to make official announcements as quickly as possible. I have also given instructions that fullest efforts are made to ensuring the most thorough monitoring, considering that there is potential for various influences to be exerted.

REPORTER: I am Tejima of Kyodo News. Yesterday, the NSC conducted an investigation regarding the System for Prediction of Environmental Emergency Dose Information (SPEEDI). As slightly higher radioactive levels were detected even in the locations outside of the 30-kilometer exclusion zone, I would assume that this is leading to a greater sense of concern. Do you have any plans in the future to once again expand the exclusion zone? And if you don't, can you tell us once again why you think it is safe?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I have given instructions to strengthen even further the various kinds of monitoring considering the data and estimations from SPEEDI. Given that this is a projection or forecast, we have also carried forward with responses as needed based on actual measured values, and of course in the future we do hope that various numerical values will go down. Regarding the need to take necessary responses based on objective data, obviously we are not ruling out any possibilities.

REPORTER: I am Kuribayashi of Yomiuri Shimbun. Yesterday, the Chairman of the NSC held a press conference for the very first time since this accident occurred. I believe that it is also the responsibility of the NSC to disclose information regarding nuclear energy policies. Can you tell us why it is that no press conference was held during this period, and does the Government believe that this was a reasonable decision? Please tell us your thoughts on this.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Since the NSC is a highly independent body, it is up to them to directly decide when and how to hold a press conference. During this period, especially since the outbreak of this accident, the members of the Commission have been doing their utmost in providing their insights into various responses that have been taken such as the evacuation. Additionally, regarding the responses that were taken to the nuclear power plants themselves, although this was primarily the responsibility of TEPCO, and secondarily NISA, the Commission also contributed valuable advice as a third-party organization, as the members possess specialized insights about the safety of the reactor. I am certain that they had been focusing so much of their energy on these aspects during these days.

Furthermore, as concrete responses are implemented based on the advice from the Commission, I believe that from my perspective, as well as from the perspective of NISA or TEPCO, information disclosure has been advanced overall regarding our responses. In that situation, I believe that it is desirable that each body independently disclose information and responds to the questions from journalists as much as possible, while focusing on its primary responsibilities. I believe that is the state that has prevailed.

REPORTER: I am Kageyama of the Mainichi Newspapers. In that context, regarding the response to the accidents that has been taken by TEPCO, I have the feeling that President Shimizu and Chairman Katsumata have not really been standing at the frontline to demonstrate leadership in responding to the accident. For example, the first executive from TEPCO to visit Fukushima Prefecture was ManagingDirector Mr. Komori, and it was the Vice President who held the last press conference. How do you view this stance that has been taken by TEPCO?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: My view is that all of the people involved with the Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on the ground have really been working very hard to make sure that the situation doesn't get worse, and I think that we should really appreciate them for that. I believe that there are various views on how those at the headquarters have been giving instructions to back up those on the ground. However, from the perspective of the Government, I am asking TEPCO to mobilize its full power in thoroughly responding to the situation, and make sure that the situation doesn't get any worse and continue their efforts to improve the situation. As far as this point is concerned, I did give instructions and take responses, but I do not think that I'm in the position now as a third party to make a comment on that.

REPORTER: I am Nanao of Nico Nico Douga. I'd like to ask something related to the previous question. In addition to the statements that the Government are making regarding the nuclear plants, I think that if the people of Japan will be able to directly see for themselves press conferences, etc., held by international survey teams from such organizations as the IAEA and NRC, which are currently in Japan, I believe that the people will be able to get a more accurate grasp of the current situation. Do you have any ideas how to ensure that these third party valuations can be widely communicated to the people?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I think what the Government can do regarding overseas organizations in particular is to call on them to cooperate. Although some time lag is inevitable, regarding all analyses and opinions of the experts of the IAEA and the Unites States which we could receive, we are trying to make a report to the people and explain various data and situations. The specialized evaluations from the third parties, as long as they are thoroughly based on objective data, should of course be of interest to people, and therefore I would like to ask related agencies especially from the United States and IAEA to consider what they can do.

REPORTER: I am Honda of Fuji Television. A little while ago it was announced that at the water purification plant in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, it was found that the levels of radioactive iodine exceeded the provisional acceptable standards for drinking water. Considering that water contamination is detected not only in Tokyo but also in its surrounding prefectures, do you have any thoughts about giving instructions that infants should not drink water in regions outside of Tokyo as well?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: As far as that is concerned, in the light of the established standards, the government has given instructions for wide-ranging and large-scale monitoring to be done to the extent possible. Unfortunately it was amidst that situation that radioactive particles have been emitted from the nuclear power plant and in some cases may still be coming out. As a result it is quite possible that such high readings could have come up in certain regions.

That is precisely why we must strengthen monitoring. We must remember that just because these high levels have been detected it is not the case that this has an impact on the health of the people. We are trying as much as possible to give the people objective information and I would hope that they will understand that we are taking every possible measure. Based on that information, I am asking each of the concerned agencies and all of the municipal governments to take thorough responses.

As we move forward carefully monitoring the situation it may very well be the case that various anomalies will be reported. As I have stated repeatedly here, regarding the true significance of these measurements, I am calling on the NSC and the National Institute of Radiological Sciences and all other experts concerned to explain in detail and in easy to understand terms what the meaning of these measurements is. I have given clear instructions to the experts involved to give explanations to the people outlining that these numbers do not have an impact on the health of people and the human body.

Director of the Press Office: Are there any other questions?

 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Thank you for your attention.