Home > Reconstruction following the Great East Japan Earthquake > Press conferences > Chief Cabinet Secretary > October 2013 > Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
Reconstruction following the Great East Japan Earthquake
October 30, 2013(AM)
[Provisional Translation]
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
Q&As
- The Fukushima reconstruction acceleration plan
(Abridged)
REPORTER: Concerning media reports related to the Fukushima reconstruction acceleration draft proposal that the Government and ruling parties are considering, it has been reported that under this proposal compensation payments would be extensive to ensure that evacuees from "areas where it is expected that the residents have difficulties in returning for a long time" have housing at their relocation destinations. What is your view regarding this?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We understand that the party, under the leadership of Chairman Oshima of the Headquarters for Accelerating Reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake, is currently holding earnest discussions on the topic of Fukushima's reconstruction and revitalization.
In this context, a conclusion has not yet been reached - neither as a party, nor the Government. I believe it is important that the Government closely monitor the discussions of the party and take its proposals seriously, and that the Government and ruling parties work together on this.
REPORTER: In 2020, the Tokyo Olympics will be held. Some observers believe that the return of residents to their hometowns should be completed by 2020, including relocations. What is your own view regarding this matter?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have stated, the Government will closely monitor the party's discussions, and if proposals are made, the Government and the party will work together on them.
However, currently, there are some evacuees who are not yet able to decide whether or not to return to their hometowns. To make this decision, we believe they need information, such as radiation projections, as well as specific outlooks regarding the future of their communities. Therefore, we believe it is important that the Government provide people with the information they need to make their decisions, as quickly as possible, and the Government is taking steps to this end.
(Abridged)
