Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japan's energy policy

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The compilation of the Basic Energy Plan is experiencing difficulties and there appears to be a possibility that future administrations may change the policy of moving away from nuclear power. What are your thoughts concerning this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: First of all, with regard to your question about whether the compilation process is facing difficulties, yesterday in the Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy a report was given on the ways to advance the Innovative Strategy for Energy and the Environment, which was decided by the Energy and Environment Council. The committee members provided various opinions concerning the way forward for the Basic Energy Plan, and the plan itself will be further considered and advanced by Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Edano, in consultation with committee Chair Akio Mimura. It is not the case that the process of compilation has stalled.

(Abridged)