Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Senkaku Islands
• A third-party organization's report in the U.S. concerning the relocation of Futenma Air Station
• A re-investigation on the possibility of an active fault at Oi Nuclear Power Station

REPORTER: At this morning's press conference, you spoke about the theoretical possibility of mobilizing the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to the Senkaku Islands. What is the theoretical possibility of mobilizing the SDF to Takeshima, another inherent territory of Japan like Senkaku?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Are you aware of the response provided by Minister of Defense Satoshi Morimoto at his press conference this morning following the Cabinet meeting? Well, as he explained it very clearly, I would like to briefly state the main points given by Defense Minister Morimoto. Whether it is the Senkaku Islands or elsewhere, as long as it is inside Japanese waters, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and the police have primary jurisdiction over the defense of islands. If they cannot respond themselves, that is, if sea patrol and the police cannot respond alone in the waters, then the mobilization of SDF operations are ensured by law based on orders issued on land, such as the public security operations order and the self-defense mobilization order. This was Defense Minister Morimoto's response when he was asked to comment on yesterday's statement of the Prime Minister. I believe (the possibility) is exactly as I just stated.

REPORTER: Regarding Japan's response concerning Senkaku, at this morning's press conference, you said that yesterday, Prime Minister Noda referred to the possibility of mobilizing the SDF as a theoretical possibility. You also said the Prime Minister's statement does not indicate that Japan is trying to keep China in check as it is alleged. Is it correct to understand then that the Japanese Government would like to avoid military conflict over the Senkaku Islands as much as possible and to make maximum diplomatic efforts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Of course, as I said, the Prime Minister has consistently stated his commitment to deepening the mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests with China. Naturally, diplomatic efforts should be fully exploited in all such areas.

REPORTER: The Department of Defense (DoD) of the United States (U.S.) has asked a third-party organization to prepare a report concerning the relocation of Futenma Air Station. The report proposes that should the relocation to Henoko not be realized, then Naha Airport or Iejima should be utilized. First of all, what are the Japanese Government's thoughts on this proposal?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I am aware that a report of an independent think tank was submitted, as required under the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act for U.S. DoD to submit to Congress. However, I am not aware whether the contents of the report have not or have been released as of now. Therefore, the Government of Japan would like to refrain from commenting on the contents at this time.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: What are the Japanese Government's views on the need for considering alternative measures should the relocation to Henoko not be realized?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The Japanese and U.S. Governments have a 2+2 agreement, and our view is that the agreement should be respected to the maximum.

(Abridged)

In response to the first question, I cited the words of the Minister of Defense. However, with regard to issues, such as the territorial rights over Takeshima, Japan will carry on persistent negotiations through diplomatic channels based on the position of Japan.

REPORTER: In that case, there is no difference between the Senkaku Islands or Takeshima in the sense of theoretical possibility?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The Senkaku Islands are no doubt an inherent territory of Japan in light of historical facts and based upon international law. There exists no issue of territorial sovereignty to be resolved concerning the Senkaku Islands. Takeshima is slightly different from the Senkaku Islands which are under the valid control of Japan.

REPORTER: Regarding the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's purchase of the Senkaku Islands, both people in Japan and China express concerns that the series of moves taken by a Japanese municipality and some politicians already have had adverse effects on the Japan-China mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests. What are the Japanese Government's thoughts regarding concerns that new moves taken by some Japanese politicians and a municipality concerning the purchase have had adverse effects on the Japan-China mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: We hear these concerns. However, as I have said repeatedly, the Senkaku Islands are no doubt an inherent territory of Japan in light of historical facts and based upon international law. There exists no issue of territorial sovereignty to be resolved concerning the Senkaku Islands. This is the position of the Japanese Government.

REPORTER: What is your definition of inherent territory?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: This is a term which has been used to date to mean an inherent territory of Japan in light of historical facts and in actual situation.

REPORTER: What is the general span of time you are referring to historically?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: With regard to the historical span of time, I believe legally the facts date back to the Meiji period (1868-1912), when the Senkaku Islands was first possessed by Japanese people.

REPORTER: Concerning the Unit 3 and 4 reactors of Oi Nuclear Power Station, based on the possibility of an active fault, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) has requested Kansai Electric Power Company to conduct a re-investigation. There are reports that a Democratic Party of Japan project team has compiled an emergency statement urging the Government itself to carry out an emergency investigation. Can you share your views on the contents of the statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I believe the project team issued the statement on July 26. Regarding the investigation of the crushed zone at Oi Nuclear Power Station, it was decided at a NISA hearing consisting of experts that the necessity of the investigation and the validity of the investigation plan would be thoroughly verified, and when the investigation is actually conducted, the investigation methodology would be checked with the presence of personnel and experts. As such, it was determined that experts would conduct objective and scientific checks without leaving the investigation up to the electric power operator. I believe the statement is in line with this.

(Abridged)

Going back to the history of the Senkaku Islands, one of the historical facts is that a Cabinet decision was established in 1895 to incorporate the Senkaku Islands into the territory of Japan.

(Abridged)