Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japan's energy policy

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question with regard to Mr. Edano's comments made on September 1 when he said that it has not been definitively decided that no nuclear power plants will be operating in the 2030s. Could you tell us if revision of this policy is possible as all policy resources are mobilized while reviewing the policy, and how frequently will you be reviewing this policy?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: If you had read the Innovative Strategy for Energy and the Environment you would have had a rough idea of the answer to your question. There are various issues including the nuclear fuel cycle, relations within the international community, renewable energy as well as the international energy situation to consider. We are facing various challenges to solve in future and we cannot predict all these issues with certainty. I believe that this strategy has established that it is necessary to maintain a humble attitude and to have flexibility with our forecasts. Therefore, for now, the assessment and revision of the strategy will be completed in line with this strategy while ensuring consistency with other policies such as the Framework for Green Development Policy and Global Warming Countermeasures, which are to be developed before the end of the year. The Energy and the Environment Council will take the lead in constant assessment and revision, and it is expected that the strategy will come under constant revision beginning before the end of the year, and will continue to be reviewed after that.