Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

JAPANESE

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding thyroid radiation in children. Tests conducted in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture and other locations by the Government's Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters confirmed that 45% of the children had thyroid exposure to radiation. On this basis, I understand that yesterday a briefing session was held locally for the parents and guardians. What are your thoughts on this finding that 45% suffered internal exposure?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I have already presented an overview on this issue as of March. At the very least, according to the views of all the experts, the present figures indicate very low risk of health effects. As of March, the experts reported that the radiation levels do not require further tests and so on, and I reported this information to the people of Japan at that point in time. However, I understand that the parties concerned are worried about the health of their children, and in this light, a forum was established in the relevant regions to provide specific explanation. Although the risk of health effects is very low, understandably I believe the parents and guardians are concerned. Therefore, the Government will thoroughly follow-up this matter. If by consistently collecting various know-how it can be further confirmed that there is nothing to worry about, we would like to be doing that.

REPORTER: You said that you presented an overview in March. Moving forward, I believe our society will be greatly concerned about internal exposure, particularly as it relates to children. I think the Government can make official announcements, in detail and more frequently, at the press conferences of the Chief Cabinet Secretary or the press conferences of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters or at other occasions. What is your view regarding the way the Government ought to make announcements moving forward?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Since most of the discussion will be very detailed and quite technical, in this sense I believe it is fundamental that the ministries and agencies responsible for the respective tasks make the announcements, beginning with the Government-TEPCO Integrated Response Office.

(Abridged)