Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: A Chinese man was arrested by the Republic of Korea (ROK) authorities for throwing firebombs at the Japanese Embassy in the ROK. It is also being reported that the same man has admitted responsibility for the arson attack on Yasukuni Shrine. What is the Government's reaction to this incident? Also, what information about this does the Government have at present?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I was not asked about this in this morning's press conference, so I would like to provide a thorough answer now. Around 8:15am on January 8 - there is no difference between Japan and ROK time - a man acting alone threw four firebombs at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul. The man was quickly arrested by the ROK authorities. There was no human or property damage suffered as a result of this incident. On the same day, ROK First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Park Suk-Hwan relayed to Mr. Masatoshi Muto, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Korea, that the ROK's response was based on orders given by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kim Sung-Hwan. He communicated that the incident was a true regret and that the ROK police were currently interrogating the perpetrator. In response, Ambassador Muto expressed his deep regret over the incident and requested that a proper investigation be carried out along with the implementation of thorough measures to prevent a recurrence. These are the facts of the incident. My understanding is that the ROK police are currently questioning the perpetrator.

(Abridged)