Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

(Abridged)

Q&As

• Japan's energy policy

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Yesterday, in a meeting with local leaders in Aomori Prefecture, Minister Edano stated that the zero nuclear power station policy is a target. I would like to confirm whether it is indeed a "target," and if so, is it a target that must absolutely be achieved or a target towards which efforts will be made?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The basic policy decided by the Government that is clear and unmistakable is that the Government will mobilize all policy resources to such a level as to even enable zero operation of nuclear power plants in the 2030s. Recently the Cabinet approved Government policy towards this end, including the main overall policy and the processes that will be involved, and all efforts will be made to realize the policy. In other words, a decision was made on the basis of Innovative Strategy for Energy and the Environment and all efforts will be made to promote this strategy.

(Abridged)