Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: My question concerns the decision made by the Fukushima Prefectural Assembly a moment ago. I believe its adoption of a written statement (calling on Prime Minister Noda to retract his remark) reflects Fukushima Prefecture's deep-seated objection toward the Prime Minister's remark that the nuclear power station accident has been brought to a conclusion. What are your feelings on this current opinion held by the affected people in Fukushima Prefecture?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: We will be tackling the accident all the while conducting daily debates on the issues facing Fukushima Prefecture beyond Step 2 and while discussing the issues with the members of the local communities, indeed, while placing our greatest priority on the wishes of the local community members. In other words, to be exact, I believe we must fully recognize that although the "on-site" accident has been brought to a conclusion, overall it will take another 40 years until the reactors are decommissioned and that we are confronted with this enormous challenge.

(Abridged)