Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I would first like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved eight general and other measures and also cabinet orders and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, I made a statement concerning Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko's trip to Germany and visit to Poland, and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism made a statement concerning the appointment of heads of special companies.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, Minister Tatsuo Kawabata made a statement concerning the holding of the Okinawa Reversion 40th Anniversary Ceremony.

I have one other announcement. I would like to say a few words on this day, which marks the 40th anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa. Today, May 15, is the day that Okinawa was reverted to the mainland, and this year marks exactly 40 years or the 40th anniversary of the reversion. Today, in Okinawa, the Government and Okinawa Prefecture will host a reversion anniversary ceremony, which will be attended by many guests from Japan and overseas. The Government, in accordance with the new legislation for the promotion and development of Okinawa, has approved the basic policy for the promotion and development of Okinawa on May 11. I understand that based on this policy, Okinawa Prefecture is expected to establish and submit today a basic plan for the promotion of Okinawa. The Government is resolved to continue to make every effort for the promotion and development of Okinawa. Also, while the role played by the Japan-U.S. security arrangements continues to be of importance, given the ever-increasing challenges in the security environment in the regions surrounding Japan on the one hand, the Government is duly aware of the excessive burden placed on the people of Okinawa by the concentration of U.S. bases in the prefecture. The Government will take steps to swiftly reduce the burden imposed by  the bases on Okinawa, while maintaining deterrence. The Government strongly expects and is convinced that the further development of Okinawa will contribute to the development of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.

Q&As

• The 40th Anniversary of the Reversion of Okinawa, and the issue of the Futenma Air Station

REPORTER: With regard to the reversion of Okinawa, while you have just also touched on the reduction of the burden of the bases and other matters, on this day which marks the day of the reversion, can you once again explain how the Government will be addressing the issue of the Futenma Air Station?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: This is discussed in the Prime Minister's speech, which I believe has already been distributed with embargo. In the speech, the Prime Minister states, "It is the fundamental mission of the national government to ensure the safety of our people, including the people of Okinawa. While the role played by the Japan-U.S. security arrangements continues to be of importance, given the ever-increasing challenges in the security environment in the regions surrounding Japan, I am duly aware of the excessive burden placed on the people of Okinawa by the concentration of U.S. bases in the prefecture. I reiterate my pledge to reduce in the near term the burden imposed by military bases on Okinawa in specific ways that are apparent for everyone to see, while maintaining deterrent capabilities. A situation in which the Futenma Air Station becomes fixed in its current location must absolutely be avoided. Under this basic premise, the Governments of Japan and the United States recently agreed to separate the issue of the relocation of the Futenma Air Station from the issues of the relocation of U.S. Marines to Guam and the land returns south of Kadena. In addition, we have specified land that can be returned prior to the relocation of the Marine Corps outside the country and also land that can be returned in the very near term. These efforts should lead to a reduction in the burden imposed by military bases as 'specific outcomes that are apparent for everyone to see.'" This speech once again affirms that the fixation of Futenma in its current location must absolutely be avoided.

REPORTER: Concerning this statement about absolutely avoiding fixation, what is the background behind why the speech makes no mention of the relocation to Henoko?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: It goes without saying that that the Government's stance has long remained unchanged through today. If there are any changes, then I believe something will have to be said. So, it means the stance has not changed.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I am sorry to return to the Okinawa issue, but what are your thoughts on the straying off on the Futenma issue since the change in government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I believe we have not strayed off. I believe we have been consistent.

REPORTER: Do you believe progress has been made also in obtaining the understanding of Okinawa?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: It is a fact also that procedures are being followed step by step.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Chief Cabinet Secretary, you said a moment ago that the Government has not strayed off on Futenma since the change in government. In general...

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Having heard you reread the exchange from a moment ago, I would like to say that I interpreted your question to mean the Noda administration.

REPORTER: In other words, you are then frankly admitting that the Government strayed off during the Hatoyama administration and the Kan administration following the change in government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: It is a fact that at one time, after the change in government, there was a discussion about outside of Okinawa or inside Okinawa, and I believe this caused some significant confusion to the people of Okinawa.