Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• ROK's decision to impose a comprehensive ban on the import of marine products from eight prefectures in Japan

(Abridged)

REPORTER: On a different issue, the ROK has decided to impose a comprehensive ban on the import of marine products from eight prefectures in Japan. This decision was announced directly after your statement in this press conference that the safety of water and food products in Japan has been assured. This decision by the ROK perhaps demonstrates that international concern remains strong about whether Japan has got the situation in Fukushima completely under control. Could I ask for the reaction of the Government concerning this matter, including whether you consider it will have an impact on the bid for the 2020 Olympics, a decision on which is coming up soon? Also, how does the Government intend to dispel such concerns in the future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, with regard to the ROK, I am aware of the announcement that has been made. I would like to point out that there are international standards concerning food products, including marine produce, and in Japan we are engaged in strict safety management measures based on those standards. In the event that tests for radioactive materials show that there are levels that exceed the standard value, we have a robust system in place whereby the Government implements restrictions on shipment of the produce in question, thus preventing it from being distributed in the market. Furthermore, with regard to the impact of the outflow of contaminated water into the ocean, the impact is limited to an area of 0.3 km2, within the harbor of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Even within this area the figures show that radiation levels are well below the standard value and therefore there is absolutely no impact from the contaminated water. Following the outflow of contaminated water the Government has paid particular care to share information with the Government of the ROK about the situation, and we will continue to call upon the ROK to make a response that is grounded in scientific evidence. With regard to the Olympics, the Government will bring together the necessary technology and knowledge and stand at the fore in dealing with situation, with a view to resolving the contaminated water issue in the near term. Japan will continue to thoroughly explain these measures, and as I have already stated the area that is affected by contaminated water covers 0.3 km2, and even in that area tests have shown that levels are well below standard values. This is the point that we will continue to explain moving forward. In particular, since the accident occurred Japan has adopted the most stringent food and water safety standards in the world and is also engaged in strict and thorough inspections and distribution management. We will continue to make robust efforts to highlight that the safety of Japan's food and water has been secured. For example, the total annual exposure to radiation from all food and water in the whole of Fukushima Prefecture is less than one-hundredth of one millisievert.