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 18 general measures and also the promulgation of a treaty, a cabinet decision and personnel decisions.

With regard to statements by ministers, Minister Nakagawa made a statement concerning the Annual Report on Government Measures for Persons with Disabilities and the Annual Report on Comprehensive Measures to Prevent Suicide. Minister Matsushita made a statement concerning the Report of the Outline of the Measures Taken for Resolution of the Failed Financial Institutions. Minister Matsubara made a statement concerning the Report on the Results of Collection of Information and Analysis relating to Consumer Accidents. The Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the FY2011 Annual Report on the Status of Policy Evaluations and how Evaluation Results have been reflected in Policy Revisions.

Prior to the Cabinet Meeting, a meeting of the Council on Comprehensive Measures to Prevent Suicide was held. Since last year the Government has been advancing with work to revise the Comprehensive Guidelines for the Prevention of Suicide. The opinions of various experts have been sought, and efforts have also been made to seek the views of private sectors organizations that are directly involved in measures on the ground to prevent suicide. In today's meeting, Minister Nakagawa, in his position as Minister of State for Suicide Prevention, presented the points for revision that are based on the discussions held to date. I requested all Cabinet ministers to ensure that enhanced measures are implemented at each government ministry and agency, based on the points for revision presented by Minister Nakagawa. The ministries and agencies will now engage in specific considerations and round out the contents of the various points. For further details, please direct your questions to the Office for Policy on Suicide Prevention at the Cabinet Office.

Q&As

• The issue of the creation of a Japanese National Security Council (NSC)

(Abridged)

REPORTER: According to a number of press reports, the issue of the creation of a Japanese National Security Council (NSC), which was being considered within the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), is now set to be submitted to the Government for deliberation, following procedures within the party. What is the Government's response likely to be and at what speed will a response be made?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Considerations on this issue have been implemented by the Intelligence NSC Working Team, part of the Committee on Cabinet of the DPJ. From before, based on the National Defense Program Guidelines, a team has been established to consider the strengthening of Cabinet functions relating to national security. I hear that procedures are still ongoing within the DPJ, but if a proposal were to be submitted it would be given due consideration. With regard to speed, this is not something that should be implemented hurriedly, but rather should be given serious consideration.

(Abridged)