Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Reconstruction Agency official's inappropriate messages on Twitter

REPORTER: I believe that Minister for Reconstruction Nemoto visited you, presumably in relation to the Twitter messages posted by the Reconstruction Agency official. Could you tell us the details of the report you were given regarding the incident? Also, I understand that the staff member in question, whom I believe to be a Counselor, has been relieved of his position. Could you share with us your views on this decision?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Minister held a press conference today to express his apologies to the public. When the Abe Cabinet took office, the Prime Minister strongly urged all ministers to be mindful that they are all effectively ministers for reconstruction and that they are all responsible for carrying out reconstruction efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake so as to meet the needs of people living in the affected areas. Despite this, a number of incidents that upset those who have been affected by the earthquake have occurred. I understand that during today's press conference at the Reconstruction Agency, the Minister for Reconstruction made apologies for these incidents and expressed his determination to ensure that staff of the Reconstruction Agency do not engage in this kind of behavior and that the entire Reconstruction Agency remains committed to the reconstruction effort.

REPORTER: People from the affected areas have voiced their disappointment and dismay. Could you share with us how the Government is planning to address or follow up on these reactions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I said earlier, the Cabinet places the highest priority on post-earthquake reconstruction. As such, the Minister today expressed his apologies for the recent incidents to those who have been affected by the earthquake in order to clear up the misunderstanding. At the same time, the Minister expressed his determination to get back to the basics and to complete reconstruction. To achieve this, the Minister instructed his staff to ensure that something like this does not happen again and to exert every effort for reconstruction.

(Abridged)