Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

JAPANESE

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Edano

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: While I believe that related ministerial departments will be able to offer a more detailed and concrete report, I would like to speak about the slightly large earthquake that occurred this morning.

At 08:16am today, an earthquake measuring magnitude 5.4 struck in the middle of Nagano Prefecture. The earthquake was measured as 5-upper on the Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. A wide-area centered around the City experienced extremely violent shaking. Following the earthquake, at 08:20am a liaison office was established in the crisis management center of the Prime Minister's Office and we began information gathering activities and other response measures. As far as the damage caused by the earthquake, so far we have confirmed 6 injured. We will continue our efforts for information gathering.

I would like to remind everyone that areas which experienced violent shaking now face an increased risk regarding landslides and houses collapsing. Given that we are now in a season in which we can expect evening showers and other climate events, there is a potential that secondary disasters will occur. I ask that everyone keeps such risks in mind while continuing to be careful about aftershocks as well.

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have heard that you will be announcing a decision about changes to the areas of Specific Spots Recommended for Evacuation today based on the coordination with relevant local people. Please tell us the state of discussion on this.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I acknowledge that changes are being made through consultations with local people concerned under Minister Hosono's leadership. At this stage, I have not yet heard any concrete reports on this.

(Abridged)