Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

(Abridged)

Q&As

• Restarting operations at nuclear power stations
• Measures for internal exposures to radiation which was pointed out by the National Diet of Japan Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question relating to the restarting of operations at the nuclear power station. Every week on Friday there has been a demonstration in front of the Prime Minister's Office and today the demonstration was of a particularly large scale. In response to the continuing actions opposing the decision by the Government to restart nuclear power stations, what will the Government be doing to seek the understanding of the public from now?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Given that the restarting of operations is currently specifically related to Oi Nuclear Power Station of Kansai Electric Power Company, the Government will continue to take various opportunities to send out various messages to local residents, and also from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). As has been noted on previous occasions, it is the responsibility of the Government to have made a judgment on a significant issue that could divide public opinion. Oi Nuclear Power Station has cleared issues relating to safety and operations are proceeding under a thorough and stringent structure that includes a special monitoring system. These are the points that the Government will seek to explain further, using various forums and opportunities.

REPORTER: On a related note, the people who are taking part in such demonstrations, as well as others, seem to be of the opinion that although Prime Minister Noda has been stressing the importance of moving away from a style of politics that is averse to making decisions, and instead work to ensure that such decisions are made, it is a concern for voters that the Prime Minister is making such decisions, including on not only the issue of the restarting of the nuclear power stations, but also consumption tax and other issues, without a due mandate provided through an election. What is the Noda Administration's response to such opinions and concerns?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: First of all, as I have just mentioned, the case of Oi Nuclear Power Station of Kansai Electric Power Company is one for which explanations will be provided in various forums by utilizing various opportunities. In addition, with regard to the issue of the mid- to long-term energy mix, which was announced last week, this is something that will have to be opened to due national debate, and we have now entered that phase. In that sense, the Government seeks to further promote debate in various formats about the mid- to long-term energy mix, and nuclear power generation in particular.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In the report issued yesterday by The National Diet of Japan Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission (NAIIC) it is noted that neither the national nor prefectural governments have prepared any sort of plans to accumulate data on internal exposure to radiation. What is your opinion of this observation in the report?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: With regard to this matter, it is the case that surveys of internal exposure to radiation are being carried out in Fukushima Prefecture using whole body counters. It is also stated in the report by the NAIIC that these surveys are being conducted outside the framework of the prefectural health management study project. The national government is supporting these efforts and is steadily seeking to enhance the survey structure, including increasing the number of whole body counters available in the prefecture. The report of the NAIIC also notes that among the 2 million people living in Fukushima Prefecture, at the point ten months after the accident approximately 40,000 people had been examined for internal exposure, either by the prefecture or at hospitals. As of the end of May this year, the figure had reached 45,000 people. In addition, the prefecture has a policy of ensuring that all pregnant women and children are to be examined, and measures to this end are steadily being implemented. There was a further observation concerning poor cooperation with regard to the utilization of the results of examinations, and it is now the case that efforts are being steadily implemented towards the compilation of a health management survey database, which will contribute to the health management of the residents of the prefecture and also help to create a strong structure, for cooperation among all entities involved, in the health management of residents. Naturally, the Government will accept the observations contained in the report of the NAIIC with all due seriousness.