Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

(Abridged)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: What does the Government know at present about the detection of radioactive cesium levels in rice from Date City, Fukushima Prefecture that exceed the regulation values?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: In tests being conducted by the Fukushima Prefectural government, radioactive cesium levels were newly detected that exceed the Government's regulation values in rice produced in Date City. I have been told that shipping restrictions are now being considered for brown rice grown in the former Oguni Village of Date City and in the former Tsukidate Town of Date City, just as they were for the former Oguni Village of Fukushima City. Fukushima Prefecture is currently carrying out an emergency survey, and we will continue to implement an appropriate response while carefully examining the situation, including the results of the prefecture's survey.

REPORTER: On the same topic, nine kilograms of that rice has already been sold to consumers at markets. The last time this happened you reassured us by telling us that the rice in question had not been distributed. What is your response to this situation, however, now that the rice has actually been sold?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The prefecture is currently carrying out a tracking survey to confirm that the nine kilograms of rice were actually sold, so I would like to wait for those results before answering.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: This question is with regard to the issue of rice. The survey currently being carried out by Fukushima Prefecture is a sample survey. Does Fukushima Prefecture or the national government intend to consider frameworks such as for surveying all bags of rice in the future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Now, Fukushima Prefecture is carrying out an emergency survey on 12 former municipalities in Fukushima, Date, Soma, and Iwaki Cities. As of yesterday, fliers had been distributed in the areas being surveyed requesting them to refrain from shipping rice until the survey results are available. That is where we stand at present, and we will form a future response based on the results of these surveys.

(Abridged)