Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Fukusima Daini Nuclear Power Station

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Excuse me. I have a question about a separate issue that I also asked about yesterday. Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Motegi stated that the handling of Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Station would be left to the decision of the power station operator. At the same time, he said that it could not be handled on the same footing as other nuclear power stations and hinted at the possibility of decommissioning the power station. What is the Government's stance on the future of Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Station?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, I believe that the operator will make the decision about Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Station based on an overall assessment of the larger picture of future energy policies, application to new regulations and standards, as well as opinions and feedback from local residents. In his response yesterday, Minister Motegi also stated firmly that the decision should be made by the operator.

(Abridged)