Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• TEPCO's consideration on disclosing footage of the video conferences immediately after the nuclear power station accident
• Movement by Chinese fishing patrol vessels near the Senkaku Islands
• The establishment of "Space Policy Unit" at the Cabinet Office

(Abridged)

REPORTER: According to reports, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has decided to disclose footage of the video conferences of the variety of exchanges which took place in the immediate aftermath of the nuclear power station accident. Has TEPCO contacted the Government to inform it will disclose it or regarding anything else?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: With regard to Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yukio Edano's request to TEPCO to disclose the footage, the Minister responded about this at a meeting of the Budget Committee (of the House of Councillors). Based on this, I understand that the new leadership of TEPCO is now considering whether or not to disclose the footage. (At the Budget Committee,) Minister Edano made a statement to the effect that he is not issuing a formal administrative guidance, but that he believes TEPCO's leadership understands the Minister's points as a de facto administrative guidance, and based on this understanding he trusts that TEPCO will respond affirmatively. That is the situation. I do not believe any formal decision has been made.

REPORTER: A new Chinese fishing patrol vessel has been confirmed around the Senkaku Islands. Can you update us on the facts as of now?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As of 3pm, three Chinese fishing patrol vessels - Yuzheng 204, Yuzheng 35001, and Yuzheng 33001 - which are navigating the waters around the Senkaku Islands are circulating within the contiguous zone of the Senkaku Islands and are continuing their navigation. Therefore, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) patrol vessel is continuing to patrol and monitor the waters, including sending out warnings not to enter Japan's territorial waters.　In addition, Japan is lodging representations to China through diplomatic channels. For details regarding the movements of the vessels, I ask that you please follow-up with JCG.

REPORTER: By "representations," are you referring to yesterday's?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I understand that Japan is lodging a new representation regarding the new one vessel.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The Space Policy Unit was established at the Cabinet Office today. Can you share with us what its significance and goals are?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The revised Act on the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Independent Administrative Agency was passed, and the revised Act entered into force today. In this morning's press conference, I announced that pursuant to the proposal to partially amend the Act for Establishment of the Cabinet Office and other legislation, a "control tower" for space policy and a system which will be in charge of the implementation of measures to develop, improve, operate, etc. the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) will be newly established at the Cabinet Office and that we have decided to ask Minister Motohisa Furukawa to serve as the Minister of State. These are the main points. In other words, a "control tower" for space policy was set up at the Cabinet Office.

REPORTER: With regard to the main points, is the "control tower" the only aspect which is different from before?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: There are two aspects. The other is the development, improvement, operation, etc. of QZSS.