Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Regarding a different matter, His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino in his press conference commented about a retirement system for the Emperor, along with concerns about the crisis over the number of Imperial Family Members. Recently, the Government has said that it has opinions regarding the number of Imperial Family Members. What are the Government's current thoughts on a retirement system?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Let me be accurate here. His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino discussed the assumptions that the Imperial House Act governs the system of the Imperial Household and that it is up to the Diet to discuss the system. At the same time, I understand that His Imperial Highness described his own views regarding the size of the Imperial Family and the future organization of the Imperial Household, among other matters, based on such a system. As a member of the Imperial Household, His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino has his own views and it is natural that he speaks about them. The Government would like to refrain from commenting on the substance and contents of individual remarks.

(Abridged)