Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

JAPANESE

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question about the establishment period of the no-entry zone around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station of the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). As it now stands, does the Government intend to keep those areas with high radiation levels as a no-entry zone even after the completion of Step 2?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Primarily in the region close to the nuclear power station, there are areas with very high levels of radiation. We intend to work tirelessly to decontaminate these areas moving forward. Nevertheless, I cannot deny the possibility that in spite of these measures, there will be areas which residents will not be able to return to for a long period, and we feel very sorry about this. With regards to the way forward, based on the detailed monitoring we have been carrying out as well as plans for future decontamination, etc., we hope to decide on a vision in consultation with the community members.

REPORTER: According to reports, Prime Minister Kan may be directly explaining this policy as early as this Saturday. Is such an idea being considered right now?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I have not heard about any such specifics.

REPORTER: Regarding certain areas with high levels of radiation, some point out that residents will not be able to live in these areas even if a decade or more passes, i.e., for a long period. Is this consistent with the current understanding of the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Indeed, we are now at the stage of discussing a basic direction with the community members while first proceeding with technical studies and considerations to examine over what length of period and the extent to which radiation levels may be lowered through decontamination work, by monitoring actual radiation levels and the amount of radioactive materials in the areas with particularly high levels of radiation. I believe we are not yet at the stage in which I can comment on the specific duration and so on.

REPORTER: Related to the previous question, does the Government have any intention to consider, for example, renting or purchasing the land where residents will likely not be able to return home for a long period?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Of course, I understand that there is a possibility that there are areas to which residents will not be able to return for a long period. In the event that that is the case, I believe a variety of responses will need to be taken for those people who resided in these areas. However, in the stage we are in right now, we are trying to understand the current circumstances as to specifically which areas residents will not be able to return to and for how long, as well as what we can expect from future decontamination work. Nothing specific has been decided at this present stage.

REPORTER: In that case, I believe there is the option of purchasing the land and the option of renting the land. At this moment in time, which option do you think has a higher priority or is more appropriate?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: We are still in the stage of carefully forecasting which areas residents will not be able to return to and for how long. Therefore, I believe we are not yet at the stage in which I can make definitive comments about what to do from there, that is, what specific methods are appropriate for fully meeting the needs of those people who resided in these areas.

REPORTER: Leaving aside the question of how large the area will be, I believe the purchasing and renting of the land will become necessary for the residents. Regarding whether to purchase or rent the land, will the views of the residents be respected? Also, what are your thoughts on who should bear the costs? For starters, in your view, how should TEPCO be involved in the purchasing and renting of the land, etc.?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: As I have repeatedly said, I am aware that there is a possibility that there are areas to which residents will not be able to return for a long period. However, we are not in the stage right now of finalizing the specific responses for these areas. What I think will actually happen is that based on various data and the prospects of decontamination, we will provide this information to the community members and decide on the responses in consultation with them.

REPORTER: I believe Fukushima Prefecture has decided on a policy seeking the Government to establish the Special Act on the Revival of Fukushima, which designates the entire prefecture as a disaster-affected area. Can you comment on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I am not yet aware of the specific details. Nevertheless, there is no mistake that the nuclear accident has had various impacts not only on the areas near the nuclear power station from which we have asked residents to evacuate, etc., but on all areas in Fukushima Prefecture. I believe the Government must fully fulfill its role and responsibility in responding to this situation. As to whether it is most effective and rational for the prefecture to propose such special laws on how the Government should respond, based on the specific proposals we would like to have thorough consultations with the prefecture.

REPORTER: Based on the Government's view that there will be areas in which people will not be able to live in for a long period, do you believe this will cause slight delays in achieving the goals of the Roadmap towards bringing the nuclear accident to a close?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: No, this is slightly different from what we have presented as Step 2 of the Roadmap to date. Even if the nuclear accident is resolved, unfortunately there are still radioactive materials released from the nuclear power station to date. Based on how the radioactive materials have dispersed and to which areas, as well as the decontamination methods in response and their impacts, etc., we will be making a decision. Therefore, it is not directly linked to the Roadmap. On the contrary, because the situation at the nuclear power station is becoming increasingly stabilized on the basis of the Roadmap, we are able to carry out more precise monitoring, etc. of the areas near the nuclear power station. Or there is more scope for decontamination work. Based on this, we will be deciding on the responses bearing in mind safety perspectives and the will of the prefecture and residents.