Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The contaminated water issue

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In relation to the countermeasures for the contaminated water, Mr. Kaieda and Mr. Mabuchi, who were senior officials of the previous Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Government, revealed that at some point the Government was exploring the possibility of building an impermeable wall of frozen earth. Could you once again share with us the objectives of implementing this costly plan, which will be government funded and which was explored two years ago?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government has decided to build an impermeable wall made of frozen earth with national funds. We arrived at this decision as we believe that it is an extremely effective method to prevent contaminated water from flowing into the buildings and to ensure that the water does not travel any further even if water leaks from the buildings.

REPORTER: Two years ago, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) decided not to use this method citing a lack of expertise and concern for burdensome expenses, which the DPJ Government agreed with. What are your thoughts about the decision made by TEPCO and the DPJ Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that we should not comment on decisions made in the past. However, we believe that this impermeable wall made of frozen earth will be the most effective countermeasure. Led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, a committee consisting of civil engineering and groundwater specialists engaged in a number of discussions on this method and concluded that it is indeed the most effective method. In light of this, we will go forward with this solution and firmly implement the countermeasures to address the issue of contaminated water.

(Abridged)