Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

JAPANESE

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Regarding a slightly different topic, around 3:00am Japan time on August 24, there was a magnitude 5.8 earthquake which had an epicenter in Virginia in the United States, resulting in an emergency shutdown of two nuclear reactors. Although radiation leaks, etc. have not been reported as of now, it seems that the capital's functions were temporarily in a state of paralysis similar to 3.11 earthquake in Japan. Can you share with us your thoughts on this, if any?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: In the wake of 3.11, Japan received an outpouring of sympathy and assistance from the U.S. , and we, too, are deeply concerned about the U.S.. Based on the current available information, however, I have been informed that the present situation is not such that radioactive materials are leaking out of the nuclear reactors. Also, although the earthquake appears to have caused some damage, as to how extensive this damage was, for example, whether it is of a scale that requires international assistance, I have been told that the damage has not been too extensive so far. However, in the case of 3.11 in Japan, too, the earthquake occurred in the afternoon, and it was after dawn that the whole picture began to take shape. Therefore, as an ally and friend, we would like to carefully gather information and are prepared to extend assistance if necessary. Now, regarding this subject, I have been told that it has been confirmed that there was no significant damage in the capital city of Washington DC.