Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• NISA's re-inspection of Oi and Shika Nuclear Power Stations on their crushed zones within the premises

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) has instructed the re-inspection of Oi and Shika Nuclear Power Stations. With regard to Oi Nuclear Power Station, the Government made a judgment to restart operations on the basis of confirming its safety. I believe a re-inspection which follows this judgment will make people very concerned. I would like to ask two questions. First, what do you personally think about this matter? Secondly, how will the Government be responding to this situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I believe I have given replies to this on a number of occasions in response to questions I have received, including from some time ago. First, regarding Oi Nuclear Power Station, the matter in question is the crushed zone within the premise. There was no indication of an active fault, and several experts expressed the opinion that there was no activity. My understanding is that in order to fully deny that there is activity, experts pointed out that, for example, direct confirmation at the site is necessary just in case. With regard to the crushed zone within the premise of Shika Nuclear Power Station, multiple views were expressed that the fault may be active, and therefore, additional inspection is necessary. NISA is now reviewing the policy of action based on the opinions received from experts, respectively.

(Abridged)