Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Restarting of operations at nuclear power stations (Oi Nuclear Power Station)
• Situations surrounding Iran (in relation to the Japanese economy)

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the restarting of operations at Oi Nuclear Power Station. In making the final political decision, can you tell us if the electric power supply and demand balance within Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) will also be confirmed in addition to the ongoing work of confirming the safety?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: With regard to the supply and demand of electric power, we hope to make the latest decision, which is to say, fully sort out what will happen to the supply and demand gap this summer and report these matters by around the end of April, not only in terms of KEPCO, but in terms of all electric power companies. In making a comprehensive decision, I believe the forthcoming meetings among the four ministers, too, will take into account not merely the supply and demand of electric power, but also other factors, such as what effects (the restarting of operations) will have on the Japanese economy and on peoples' livelihoods.

REPORTER: Related to Oi Nuclear Power Station, the transcript of the first meeting among the four ministers was released today, about one week after the meeting. Going forward, will the transcript continue to be released in about a week's time? Is that the image?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Yes, the transcript will continue to be released in order, by about one week after the conclusion of the meeting. This was more or less stated also at the time of the first meeting.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Sorry, I have one more question. A moment ago, I believe you said that the impact on the Japanese economy will also be taken into account. Will such matters as the international situation surrounding Iran and other countries also be taken into consideration at the meetings among the four ministers?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Rather than the situation in Iran per se, in terms of the economy, it is about the issue of crude oil or the issue of prices. Naturally, I believe these topics relate to the supply and demand of electric power.