Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japan's future energy policy

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on Japan's future ratio of dependency on nuclear power that is now being reviewed by the Government. I believe the Government was unable to reach a conclusion by the initially set target date, which was by the end of August. By around when does the Government want to reach or obtain a conclusion?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: We have indeed been saying that we would like to reach a conclusion by the end of August. As today is already the end of August, I believe a conclusion will be reached after our target date. It remains unchanged that the Government will responsibly decide on a policy as soon as possible. We would like to hold a meeting of the Energy and Environment Council that decides on the strategy early next week if possible. Meanwhile, an energy and environment research committee has been established within DPJ, and this committee is conducting an intensive review. While keeping an eye on the discussions of the DPJ committee, we would like to firmly work together with the committee.

(Abridged)