Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The establishment of a final disposal site for designated waste related to the nuclear accident

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Almost a year-and-a-half has now passed since the accident at the nuclear power station in Fukushima. Today, the Government has informed the governor of Tochigi Prefecture that Yaita City is a candidate for the establishment of a final disposal site for designated waste related to the accident. I believe that it will be necessary to gain the understanding of local residents when making a final decision on the location of a waste disposal site. Could you tell us the Government's policy regarding decisions on the locations for final disposal sites?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Today the Senior Vice Minister of the Environment informed the governor of Tochigi Prefecture and the mayor of Yaita City that with regard to the establishment of a final disposal site for designated waste in Tochigi Prefecture, the Government has selected the nationally-owned Oishikubo forest area in Shiota, Yaita City as a candidate location. I hear that the governor has expressed the hope that the Government will provide thorough explanations to both Yaita City and local residents concerning the details behind the selection of the city as candidate location and the necessity for the establishment of a final disposal site. It is also a fact that the mayor of Yaita City has noted that at the current point he is inclined to reject the idea, but will consult with the prefectural government. The Government's stance is to make every effort to provide thorough explanations to Yaita City and residents living close to the candidate site about the necessity for the establishment of a final disposal site, the concept behind the selection, as well as the results of the selection process and measures to ensure safety, with a view to gaining understanding for the establishment of a final disposal site for designated waste in Yaita City.

(Abridged)