Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japan's future energy policy

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a point of confirmation with regard to nuclear energy policy. In a press conference this morning Minister Edano indicated that the issue of achieving zero nuclear power stations in Japan, as proposed by the Energy and Environment Council, is an issue that could be overcome. Is this recognition one that is shared by the Government as a whole?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Based on the deliberations of the Energy and Environment Council, the Government has set out options for the nuclear power ratio in 2030. All of the options that have been set out present significant challenges. However, the various options are all feasible once these challenges are surmounted and therefore it is not the case that unrealizable options have been tabled. I believe that was the point that Minister Edano was making in his press conference.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Both Minister Edano and Minister Furukawa, who chairs the Energy and Environment Council, have repeatedly made strong statements concerning zero nuclear power. This leads people to assume that the Government as a whole is moving towards a policy of zero nuclear power by around 2030. What is your response to this observation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: To make that assumption at this point is somewhat surprising. The reality is that considerations are ongoing.

(Abridged)