Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The deployment of Osprey aircraft to Okinawa (the holding of a meeting of the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee)

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee meeting, which was held today. I hear that it is usually the case that the location for the committee meeting is not usually disclosed. However, on this occasion the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the meeting would take place at the ministry, after which the meeting was held. What is your understanding about why a prior announcement was made on this occasion?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee is held as part of routine work under the provisions of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, and in that sense meetings are generally held in a straightforward manner between U.S. forces in Japan and the Government of Japan. The meetings are held from time to time and discuss various agenda items. On this occasion the issue relating to the Osprey transport aircraft is a particular theme for discussion and as the Government of Japan has to date sought to disclose and provide as much information as possible relating to the Osprey transport aircraft issue, I believe that this is why the location for the meeting was announced in advance. I also hear that a press sheet was issued after the meeting, which contained details of the content of the meeting.

REPORTER: You have just mentioned that a press sheet has been issued, but could you tell us specifically about any conclusions that have been reached and how this issue will be taken forward?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The press sheet has been issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and I will go over the main points. The United States Government understands the concerns of local residents with regard to the MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft, and is deeply mindful of the safety of U.S. military personnel and also the safety of the people of Japan. In the committee meeting the United States Government therefore stated that in order to ensure that any military equipment brought by the United States into Japan satisfies the highest safety standards, the United States Government will continue to cooperate closely with the Government of Japan. The Government of Japan stated that it would continue to use the forum of the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee to discuss items relating to the operation of the MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft, including with regard to low-altitude flight training. These are the main items that were confirmed at the meeting and which have been announced in the press sheet.

(Abridged)