Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I have one item to report, concerning the launch of the Chinese language version of the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet website. Approximately one year has passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, and the international community continues to show strong interest and concern in the situation in Japan. Given the necessity to also ensure that information is provided from the Prime Minister's Office to the world outside of Japan, including measures to tackle reputational damages, the Government has sought to enhance its global communication activities. As a part of these ongoing efforts it was decided to newly establish a Chinese language version of the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet website, in addition to the existing Japanese and English versions, and the new Chinese language version will be launched later today. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the People's Republic of China, and from the perspective of further deepening mutual understanding between Japan and China, enhancing the Government's provision of information in Chinese is an opportune time. For further details please direct your inquiries to the Office of Global Communications of the Prime Minister's Office.

(Abridged)