Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

JAPANESE

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Edano

(Abridged)

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Next, I would like to report about my forthcoming visit to Kesennuma City. In order to observe the situation of the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, I plan to make a one-day visit to Kesennuma City in Miyagi Prefecture on Sunday, August 7. In Kesennuma City, in order to observe the situation of the disaster volunteers' activities, I will visit a temporary housing and children's play area in the Motoyoshi area, the volunteers' work site in the Hajikami area, and the Volunteer Center of the Kesennuma Social Welfare Council. Then, I will visit the Kesennuma City Office, which will be followed by observations planned in the Shishiori area, the Kesennuma City fish market, and the temporary site storing the disaster waste. Details about time, etc. will be made available in a release to be distributed later.

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the organizational review related to the realignment of the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA). First, I understand that the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) are one of the options. As for the personnel who will head the agency, indeed in view of the discussions carried out to date, do you believe that it is proper for a cabinet minister to serve this position?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I believe all of the proposals assume that ministers conduct governance thoroughly. However, I believe there will again be a variety of discussions going forward regarding the format in which this will be conducted.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the topic which came up earlier, about the new organization which will serve as the nuclear regulatory agency. Are there any plans to hold a meeting of some sort today among the relevant ministers? Also, you said that the MOE proposal is one of the options. Can you explain then whether the considerations being made now are between the two proposals of placing the agency under the Cabinet Office and placing the agency under MOE?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I am hoping to have consultations among the relevant ministers doing the mutually convenient time outside the Diet schedule. Based on the previous discussions, I believe Minister Hosono will be making some sort of proposal.

REPORTER: Will Minister Hosono be making an announcement by the end of today?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I do not believe any decision has been made regarding an announcement. If there is anything which should be announced, I will make an announcement. If not, I won't.

REPORTER: Today, will the proposal which was compiled among the relevant ministers be finalized after receiving the Prime Minister's approval?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: We have not even decided whether to finalize the proposal today. If we were to finalize it, I believe we naturally need to report that to the Prime Minister.