Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: According to some reports, the Government is considering the possibility of realigning the surrounding areas of TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into three zones. Can you verify the facts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: First, the Government is making efforts to realize our primary goal of achieving Step 2 by the end of this year. So right now, mid- to long-term measures for implementation after the achievement of Step 2, including the removal of melted fuel, are also being considered. In addition, coupled with the achievement of Step 2, indeed a variety of measures are now being fully considered toward the review of the Restricted Area and other areas. While I cannot discuss the contents at this point in time, in any case, we are at the stage of thoroughly building up discussions with Fukushima Prefecture and relevant municipalities on the review of the Restricted Area and other areas as well as the modality of long-term reconstruction measures.

(Abridged)