Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary

JAPANESE

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Edano

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I have two items to report. First, during the Cabinet meeting, we decided on the conferment of awards in line with personnel decisions.

Continuing on, I would like to report and make an explanation on matters related to the reorganization of government bodies involved in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, which we have been working on following instructions to do so from the Prime Minister. As you can see in the material we have handed out, the government bodies will be reorganized from May 9. As you are all aware, the Government is exerting every effort for the response to the earthquake, and has already established the Headquarters for the Emergency Disaster Response and Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters. Both of these headquarters have been established in accordance with the law, and have been establishing implementation organizations as needed for the important individual issues related to the disaster, such as assistance of the lives of evacuees and compensation in the wake of the nuclear incident. We have used the term "headquarters" for some of these implementing bodies as well, and it has been pointed out that the reciprocal relationships between each body are not very clear. This has led to the concern that there are too many organizations for the chain of command to function properly. In order to do away with such a concern, and because the situation we face has now changed given that almost two months have passed since the earthquake and that we now have need for initiatives toward reconstruction, we decided to reorganize these bodies. In addition to the two headquarters we have operated from the very beginning - the Headquarters for the Emergency Disaster Response and Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters - we will establish Organized Response Headquarters for Reconstruction. Each relevant body will basically operate under these three headquarters. We hope this will allow us to easily communicate how work is being carried out under the Prime Minister's command. To explain a few more points in greater detail, we will be restructuring the Headquarters for Special Measures to Assist the Lives of Disaster Victims and the Headquarters for Measures against the Economic Impact caused by the Nuclear Power Station Incident into non-fixed "teams" which can work in a more flexible manner. Furthermore, we will also reorganize the Integrated Headquarters for the Response to the Incident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Stations, the organization which is virtually in charge of the response to the nuclear incident, renaming it the "Government-Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Integrated Response Office" and assigning it a position within the Government. Following the adoption of the soon-to-be established Summer Power Supply and Demand Measures, we will rename the Headquarters for Emergency Response for Power Supply and Demand the "Review Meeting on Power Supply and Demand." As all of you can see in the handout, the purpose of each of the teams which have been reorganized or had their name changed this time within each of these headquarters led by the Prime Minister is not to hold meetings, but to carry out work through the secretariats established for each headquarters. We have gathered the selected members from every ministry and agency for this. Our intention is that this reorganization will allow each team to better proceed with work, and make clear the positions of each responsible minister and vice minister, which is something we have been doing for some time. I hope that everyone can understand well why we have renamed each organization this time.

Q&As

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the fundamental concept of behind the reorganizations this time. I think that you have basically divided each body into headquarters, teams and offices, and I assume that within the latter are liaison offices and contact offices and so forth. What was the purpose behind dividing each body into these three categories? For one thing, what is the difference between the three?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: It's not that there is a clear definition for each body, but basically, bodies established by law to respond to emergency situations are now to be known as headquarters. Beyond that, each team and so on will fulfill a role positioned below each headquarters. I think the easiest way to understand it is to think of the term "headquarters" as being limited to legally established entities and that every other body operates under these entities. Just in case, I want to stress in particular that previously we had called the organization in charge of assisting the lives of disaster victims a "special headquarters" - our move to rename it a "team" does not signify that it has diminished in importance at all. This body continues to be in charge of coordinating the tremendous amount of overall assistance of the lives of victims under the Headquarters for the Emergency Disaster Response. It is of the same importance as it has always been. The major principle behind the division between teams and offices is that teams involve personnel from every relevant ministry and agency. The personnel in each team are appropriately selected by each ministry and agency. We want each team to coordinate issues in unity and in a cross-sectional manner. Bodies carrying out such work are termed "teams." Offices also have a cross-sectional aspect to them, but the big difference is that they are not cross-sectional teams but have a more independent nature. We use "office" for bodies with a very clear role to play. This is the major gist of our decision this time.

REPORTER: Am I correct in understanding that the Prime Minister will head up only the three headquarters including the organization for reconstruction among the new bodies?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Yes. I believe that is basically correct.

REPORTER: I have the feeling that all you have done during this reorganization is changing the names of each relevant body. What is your response to this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: We have received many comments since the start of our work. We have never undertaken pointless meetings, nor has there ever been any confusion regarding the implementation of orders. However, we do realize that the names of each body invited the misunderstanding that the relationships between each organization were disorganized. In clearly reorganizing everything this time, we have made it easier to understand that our meetings have always been focused, and there has never been any problem with regard to the chain of command not being clear enough. I don't think that anything major has changed in that sense.

REPORTER: Have any groups been consolidated in this reorganization?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: It is not that kind of reorganization. However, I dare to say that we will have a number of meetings as needed within the Team in charge of Assisting the Lives of Disaster Victims. We will have personnel gathered from each ministry and agency for these meetings. If there are any themes we need to discuss in the future, it is possible that we will have additional groups to meet within the Team to discuss these issues. So, in a sense, if we have reorganized some meetings.

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the exchange rate. Recently the yen temporarily fell into the 79 yen to the dollar range. The yen seems to currently be on an upward trend - how does the Government view this? I would also like to ask if the Government is considering interfering again?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: We are paying a lot of attention to this. As of right now, I can make no comment on the Government's position.

REPORTER: My question is about the cases of food poisoning related to the consumption of raw meat at a yakiniku barbeque chain recently. Quite a number of people have been poisoned. Is the Government considering any response to this issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: For one thing, I have heard that a criminal investigation has already begun to investigate this matter. Beyond that, we have dispatched epidemiologists from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID). We have also sent out a notification asking the Governors of each prefecture to enhance surveillance measures to ensure that only raw meat which passes the set standards is allowed to be served to the public. Finally, we have put into motion discussion on further required responses.

REPORTER: Do you think that the regulations for raw meat currently in place are sufficient?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I think there is a need to seriously discuss that, considering the seriousness of this incident. Regardless of what is decided over the course of such discussion, we have already issued notifications calling for the strengthening of current monitoring and inspection activities.

REPORTER: As a follow up question, I have heard that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) is discussing the creation of a new punishment system with the recognition that the standard safety measures were not well implemented within the practices of the industry. What is the current status of discussion on the strengthening of punishments with regard to violations of the Food Sanitation Act?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: First, we have already begun discussion on this in consideration of that point and others, with the understanding that this issue requires urgency. I think we are not yet at a point where I can talk about a clear direction for the conclusion of this discussion, but since members of the public have perished as a result of the recent incident, I believe that we will need to formulate thoroughly effective measures.

REPORTER: Some yakiniku barbeque restaurants have voluntarily stopped selling yukhoe, the dish responsible for the current problem. Many are voicing the concern that it is perhaps unsafe for the general public to consume yukhoe. What are your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I would like that you pose any detailed questions on this matter to MHLW. We are bolstering monitoring and inspection efforts to ensure that only raw meat which passes the set standards is allowed to be served to the public. My understanding is that essentially, legal standards dictate that raw meat cannot be served under almost all circumstances. For information on the strengthening of monitoring and inspection measures, I would like you to please inquire at MHLW.

REPORTER: I have heard that you like yakiniku barbeque yourself. How do you feel about yukhoe? Will you be eating it in the future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I myself was not aware of the standards in place before this incident. If the meat has passed such standards, well, I don't dislike it. I would like to confirm these standards thoroughly.

REPORTER: During the Golden Week holiday period there were some reports concerning the Futenma Air Station, based on information obtained from WikiLeaks. According to the reports, in December last year then Prime Minister Hatoyama and five Cabinet members of the administration at the time met and agreed that "it was the fault of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) that the issue of the Futenma Air Station had not made progress" and that "the coalition with the SDP would be dissolved following the Golden Week holiday." Can you comment on the facts pertaining to these reports?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: First of all, it is highly regrettable that diplomatic documents that have been categorized as classified have been disclosed through such illicit means. In the same way as the United States Government, the Japanese Government neither comments on nor confirms any reports pertaining to the alleged content of diplomatic cables of the United States.

REPORTER: I have a related question that also concerns reports made to date by the Japanese Government. The Government has explained in the past that the number of U.S. Marines stationed in Japan will be reduced from 18,000 to 8,000 personnel. However, in recent reports it has been pointed out that the actual reduction could only be a reduction of 3,000 personnel. It has been additionally pointed out that the portion of the costs of relocation to be borne by the Japanese Government will increase and that the cost-effect of the relocation plan and the significance of the relocation policy itself will be called into question if the burden on the Japanese public rises to US$6 billion. Regardless of the fact that the source of this information was WikiLeaks and regardless of the rights or wrongs of the information, do you not think that the Government has a responsibility to be accountable and explain the matter to the public, in whom national sovereignty resides and who will bear the cost burden of the relocation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Both the Japanese and United States Governments share a common policy of neither commenting on nor confirming the content of the documents in question. However, with regard to individual matters pertaining to Japan's foreign policy, I believe that the Government should provide an explanation concerning matters where an explanation is required. I have no comment to make with regard to the documents in question.

REPORTER: This is actually a matter of national interest and the public have a right to know. I believe that the accountability of the Government should rightly be questioned. In the case of matters pertaining to national interest, I believe that you should confirm the facts of the matter. What are your views?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I have already stated that the Government neither comments on nor confirms the content of any and all documents that have been issued by WikiLeaks. In general matters pertaining to foreign policy, I naturally believe that explanations should be provided for those matters that require an explanation. However, the Japanese and United States Governments share the same stance of refraining from confirming the content of the documents in question.

REPORTER: If it is the case that the public have questions surrounding these reports, I believe that regardless of whether the source of information was WikiLeaks, or not, it is necessary for the Government to provide confirmation.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: My response to any question regarding WikiLeaks will be the same. If I am asked a question that does not concern WikiLeaks I will explain the things that need to be explained, but with regard to questions concerning WikiLeaks, I am unable to give any response other than the one I have just given.

REPORTER: This is another WikiLeaks-related question, but I will ask it in such a way that it is not directly pertaining to WikiLeaks. With regard to the diplomatic cables that have been disclosed on this occasion, looking at the way in which the United States handles official documents, it would probably eventually be the case that these documents would be made public. As the disclosure has been made by WikiLeaks on this occasion I understand that the Government will not confirm the content. However, if there comes a time when the United States Government discloses these documents through formal channels in accordance with official procedures, would it be conceivable that the Japanese Government would then confirm the content of the documents?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I will refrain from comment, including speculation on whether or not the same documents would in fact be disclosed.

REPORTER: I have one more related question. The contents of the WikiLeaks documents have been widely reported and there is frequent mention in them concerning the issue of the bases in Okinawa in particular. Looking from the perspective of the people of Okinawa Prefecture, the content of these reports will serve to only further escalate their distrust in the Japanese Government and government bureaucrats. What impact on the Okinawa base issue do you think the WikiLeaks disclosure and reporting on this disclosure will have? I believe that the Government's stated position is to seek the understanding of the people of Okinawa. The governor of Okinawa Prefecture has previously requested the Government to provide a convincing explanation for why a decision was made to relocate the base to Henoko. I believe that the Government therefore has a responsibility to provide an explanation to the people of Okinawa about its true intentions. Could you provide your views on these two points?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: While the issue of the relocation of the base to Henoko is based on the Japan-U.S. agreement, I believe that the Kan Administration must make further efforts to gain the understanding of the people of Okinawa. In particular, while the Government is working steadily towards reducing the burden on Okinawa caused by the bases, I believe that the question of "why relocate to Henoko?" that you just mentioned is one that the Government must explain further and in greater detail. I realize that given the various circumstances it may be difficult to immediately gain the understanding of the people of Okinawa, and that is why further diligent efforts must be made to seek such understanding.

REPORTER: I have a question relating to increases in electricity utility charges. Is it the case that the Government is considering raising electricity charges as a means of supplementing the funds required for compensation payments that will be borne by TEPCO? Is this possibility among those being considered by the Government and TEPCO?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: When you refer to the "Government" there is a question of actually how far the definition of "Government" actually extends. However, at the very least at the Cabinet level, there has been absolutely no concrete discussion on this issue. Also, with regard to the cost burden of compensation, I think that in the first instance TEPCO's own efforts to raise funds and bear the costs should be prioritized. Unless TEPCO first makes every effort on its own account, any other means that are identified may not be accepted or understood by the people who are the users of the power supplied by TEPCO.

REPORTER: So, you are saying that a judgment by the Government cannot be made without first closely monitoring the independent efforts being made by TEPCO, including restructuring efforts and others?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I think that it is only natural to do that in the first instance.

REPORTER: Do you think that TEPCO has not yet made sufficient efforts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I think that in view of the content of efforts made by TEPCO that have been confirmed and reported in the press to date, it is likely that these efforts will not be enough to satisfy the users of power supplied by TEPCO.

REPORTER: With regard to the temporary entry into the no-entry zone around Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, you stated the other day that the aim was to initiate operations during the holiday period. What is the current status and outlook?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I believe it was two days ago, when officials from local governments entered the zone in the form of a practice run. As it is the officials from the local governments who will respond to the specific requests from the local residents, these local governments, together with the local response headquarters, are currently engaged in preparations for the temporary entry operations, on the basis of the practice run that was implemented on May 3. All people involved wish to implement the operations as soon as possible and the practice runs are one step in that direction to ascertain whether the operations can be expected to run smoothly.

REPORTER: Can you tell us the outlook for operations from next week onwards?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I have already reported on a general outlook and I think it would be wrong of me, in my capacity as a representative of the central government, to make further remarks about an outlook without consulting with or gaining the agreement of local government officials, who are the people to implement actual operations. While the central government wishes to respond to the wishes of the residents as soon as possible, the operations cannot be realized without the approval and cooperation of the local governments. I would ask you to wait a little while longer before any further outlooks are announced.

REPORTER: What points were identified as potential problems on the basis of the practice run that was implemented on May 3?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I have heard that a number of practical points were raised as a result of the practice run, but these were all anticipated beforehand, including actually putting on protective clothing and entering the zone in this clothing, which can be quite tiring. I am also aware that the people actually engaged in the operations, including the local government officials, are all working extremely hard to respond to all requests from residents, including requests from elderly people who wish to return to their homes temporarily, and balance these requests with safety considerations.

REPORTER: In your opening statement concerning the Headquarters for Emergency Disaster Response, you said that the Prime Minister had stated that there were some points on which Cabinet members should share a common recognition that were lacking. What specifically was the Prime Minister referring to?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I think that rather than specifics, it should be pointed out that to date the Headquarters for Emergency Disaster Response has established various bodies, including the Headquarters for Special Measures to Assist the Lives of Disaster Victims, and still further down the chain of command the various ministries and agencies have established working-level teams, which have been engaged in the vast majority operations at the working level thus far. The work at each ministry and agency has naturally been reported to the minister in charge, but for those parts of operations that are not directly under the jurisdiction of a certain ministry there have been cases in which information has not necessarily been shared among the various ministers concerned, given the fact that the Headquarters meeting attended by all ministers is not held so frequently. To give you a specific example, it could have been the case that with regard to the issue of temporary housing, information held by the ministers in charge, namely the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications may not have been fully shared with other ministers. This is my understanding concerning the background to the reorganization and I think that what the Prime Minister was referring to was his desire to share information among ministers about issues that may not necessarily be under their own portfolios. In that sense, in today's Cabinet meeting I believe that all Cabinet ministers were able to share information about a number of major concerns, including in particular the issue of temporary housing and set out opinions for the way forward.

REPORTER: My question is on a completely different topic. Vice President of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Hajime Ishii admitted that he and two other DPJ Diet members played golf in the Philippines yesterday. Mr. Ishii also serves as the deputy chair of DPJ's disaster response headquarters. What is your reaction to this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I am not very aware of the facts. If your question concerns the DPJ's position on this, I would appreciate it if you could forward your question to the Secretary-General, etc.

REPORTER: You and the Prime Minister, for example, visited the disaster areas during Golden Week. Frankly speaking, what do you make of the fact that DPJ Diet members were playing golf during the holiday?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I am not very aware of the facts in detail. In addition, Mr. Ishii carries out various tasks based on his position within the DPJ. Therefore, I do not feel I am in a position to really make personal comments as Chief Cabinet Secretary of the Cabinet.

REPORTER: I have a question on the consolidation or reorganization of the response headquarters you explained in the beginning. I assume the relevant ministries and agencies will be involved in a variety of ways. Did the ministers make any comments, for example, like this should be done this way or this should not be done?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: They noted just two items. The first is that, because of concerns that the change from "headquarters" to "team" will lead to a misunderstanding that we are somehow downplaying their importance, the ministers pointed out that diligent efforts should be made to fully spread the word that this is indeed not the case. I, myself, have been truly worried about this from the start. In actuality, however, we will be going about things no differently than before, if not doing more than before. With regards to the Headquarters for Special Measures to Assist the Lives of Disaster Victims in particular, a secretariat of more than 100 people has been leading the work of the headquarters and its capacity will be further reinforced. The other item was that, the team for assisting the lives of the disaster victims and the team for assisting the lives of the victims of the nuclear power incident should further strengthen their cooperation, and the ministers noted that depending on the circumstances, it may be better to consider integrating them in the future. I think we should strive to "strengthen their cooperation." As to whether or not it is better to go so far as to integrate them in order to take more swift and appropriate measures, I responded that I will take up this matter and further study it.

REPORTER: Yesterday, you visited the disaster area and it became clear that the restoration work is not moving along. In particular, by when will all the rubble be removed? According to some reports, the Government's schedule is to remove the rubble by the end of August. Can you confirm the reports?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I am not aware of the content of those reports. The Government hopes to do this as quickly as possible. However, there is work that the Government can do alone and work that the Government cannot do alone. Regarding the issue of the cost of removing the rubble and so on, yesterday the Governor of Miyagi Prefecture made a request and I responded that I will bring this issue back to Tokyo and that the Government hopes to address this issue somehow. As to physically how we will remove the rubble and by when, this is something which also concerns the issue of finding places where the rubble will be temporarily stored and the responses of the municipalities to which we will actually commission this work. Therefore, in the context of asking for their utmost efforts as well, I believe we will have to come up with a timeline.

REPORTER: I would like to go back to the issue of TEPCO's compensation. In light of TEPCO's earnings announcement and audit and the coordination with the ruling party beforehand, I believe the Government needs to finalize its policy around this Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Is my understanding of the outlook correct?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I do believe we have to consult the ruling party. As for the association with the financial statements, I am aware of this. However, regarding whether or not we must be bound by this, I believe this is also subject to study.

REPORTER: Then you are saying there is a possibility of applying a grace period?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Excuse me?

REPORTER: I mean, the possibility of using the extension of the audit.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I am of course fully aware of the timing of the financial statements and the timing of the associated procedures. However, as to whether we must be absolutely bound by them, I believe this is a separate discussion. I believe there are a variety of opinions on this.

REPORTER: I believe former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa said today that the Government has a heavy responsibility for addressing the nuclear power issue and that he will be more vociferous from next week. What is your take on his statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I believe people in a variety of positions have a variety of opinions.