Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

JAPANESE

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In the review of the Roadmap (towards the conclusion of the nuclear incident) implemented yesterday, there was a report concerning the emission of radioactive materials that stated an estimated 1 billion Bq/hour could still be being emitted. Could you provide us with your views concerning the current status of radioactive materials still being emitted from the power station?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: By the conclusion of Step 2, the Government's aim is to return the areas in the vicinity of the nuclear power station to the situation they were in prior to the incident. In the Step 1 process, efforts were made to achieve stable cooling of the reactors and reduce radioactive emissions to the greatest extent possible. These efforts have been implemented mainly on site to date towards that end. The figures that you mentioned indicate that the aim of returning the area in the vicinity of the power station to a situation in which the annual average emissions are less than 1 mSv per year, has not yet been achieved, however, I have received reports that we are getting close to that level. Furthermore, in the Step 2 process, over the next three to six months, the Government is seeking to achieve emissions levels that would result in the annual cumulative average in the vicinity of the power station being less than 1 mSv per year. When you judge the current situation thus far, it is likely that this goal is feasible.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the restarting of operations at the Unit 3 reactor of Tomari Nuclear Power Station, which is currently under controlled operation. Does the Government consider that gaining the consent of the prefectural governor or local leaders is a necessary precondition for restarting regular operations at the plant?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Tomari Nuclear Power Station is one of the nuclear power stations that has restarted operations and is currently operating.

REPORTER: Already the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) have indicated that if final checks are implemented then Tomari Nuclear Power Station can be put into operation. On the part of the Prime Minister's Office, including yourself and the Prime Minister, do you intend to create any new additional measures as a political decision if it is the case that local residents express concerns about the restarting of operations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: At the risk of repeating myself, Tomari Nuclear Power Station is currently in operation, after having restarted operations. In addition, just like all other nuclear power stations that are currently in operation, the Government will seek to make efforts further to enhance public peace of mind, including through the implementation of secondary assessments that were announced previously.