Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Prime Minister's visit to Nagasaki City (The Prime Minister's intention to register the Shiroyama Elementary School in Nagasaki City as Japan's important cultural property)

REPORTER: A moment ago, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stated at the Shiroyama Elementary School in Nagasaki City where he was visiting, that he would instruct the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to go ahead with the procedures to register the school building damaged in the atomic bombing as an important cultural property. Can you elaborate on the timetable for the registration or its significance or other related matters?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I understand that a moment ago, the Prime Minister saw firsthand the ruins left by the atomic bombing, which vividly remain at the Shiroyama Elementary School, and felt that it was critical to communicate the tragedy of the atomic bombing as well as the importance of peace to future generations. As ruins with historical value, the proper preservation of the school building is essential. I understand that the Prime Minister intends to instruct the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to proceed with the procedures to register the school as Japan's important cultural property or monument, along with the other ruins in Nagasaki City, also bearing in mind the opinions of the city. The Prime Minister will be giving the instruction after he returns to Tokyo. I believe the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will then make an appropriate decision.

(Abridged)