Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I have a report concerning the participation of Prime Minister Noda in the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2012 in Davos via video conference. Yesterday the Prime Minister delivered a video message to the participants at the WEF meeting in Davos. In addition, on Saturday the Prime Minister will also be participating via video link for a short time at the beginning of the morning session of the WEF meeting, where he will speak directly to the participants. The video conference is scheduled to take place at 5:00pm on Saturday, January 28, Japan time, which will be 9:00am in Davos. Prime Minister Noda wishes to use this opportunity to send a message to the participants from around the world who have gathered at Davos about Japan's resolve to work toward reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the rebirth of Japan.

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In a press conference following the Cabinet meeting this morning, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Edano made a statement concerning power supply and demand measures for summer this year, noting that a scenario in which no nuclear power stations are operating was a possible  one and for which considerations are being made. Is it the Government's recognition that there may be a scenario in which no nuclear power stations are operating?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: It has been announced that in the event that none of the nuclear power stations are restarted by the summer and if peak demand reaches levels recorded during the summer of 2010, then as detailed in the supply and demand outlook issued in autumn last year, it is expected that unless effective countermeasures are taken there would be a 10 percent supply-demand shortfall. Based on the Action Plan to Stabilize Energy Supply and Demand that was compiled by the Energy and Environment Council in November last year, by boosting supply capacity through regulatory reform and other measures and also promoting energy saving, the Government will make maximum efforts to cover the energy supply-demand gap. I have heard the statement made by Minister Edano and this refers to the review of the energy supply and demand outlook scheduled for the spring. Minister Edano is making every effort to create comprehensive countermeasures for a scenario in which none of the nuclear power stations are operating, and I am aware that he has announced his resolve to endeavor to avoid planned power outages and secure a stable supply of power.

REPORTER: So do you think that a scenario in which none of the nuclear power stations are operating is likely?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As Minister Edano has stated, there is a possibility that such a scenario may arise.

REPORTER: Is this also your recognition?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: With regard to this matter, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Edano has responded to questions in the plenary session of the Diet. As I have stated on previous occasions, the restarting of operations at nuclear power stations is based on the primary precondition that safety can be secured, and that the understanding of local residents and the trust of the general public can be attained. Taking these considerations into account a final decision will be made by the four ministers responsible. A stage has not yet been reached where such a decision can be made.

(Abridged)