Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Senkaku Islands
• Japan-ROK relations (the Takeshima issue)

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the Senkaku Islands. It has been reported that the Government is considering nationalizing some of the Senkaku Islands, including Uotsuri Island, or it will happen after they are purchased by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. I would like to ask a question regarding Kuba Island, which is not a part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's purchase plan. Does the Government have any plans to nationalize this island in the future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: In regard to Kuba Island, I have been informed that currently the Ministry of Defense holds a relatively long term lease agreement, although the agreement is renewed annually. You asked me if the Government has the same plans for Kuba Island as it does for other three islands. To the best of my knowledge, the Government has no such plans.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: My question is related to today's Prime Minister's press conference. I believe that so far, the Japanese Government has maintained a calm front; however, what was the reason behind the decision to hold such a prominent event like the Prime Minister's press conference?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The press conference will be held at the Prime Minister's own choosing. In light of the recent situations developing in the waters surrounding Japan, Prime Minister Noda strongly desired to directly communicate to the people of Japan the basic stance of the Government. This was the reasoning behind the holding of today's press conference.

REPORTER: Did the return of the letter from the Republic of Korea (ROK) yesterday act as a significant impetus in deciding to hold the press conference?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: That was not the case; the decision was in response to the recent situations developing in the waters surrounding Japan, by this I mean that the decision was not based on the Takeshima issue alone.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question in relation to yesterday's return of the letter. Yesterday afternoon, the main gate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office was shut tight. For instance, during a citizens' group demonstration concerning the "comfort women" issue that took place in November last year, I believe that the gate was not shut even when the building was surrounded by the demonstrators. Did the Government have the view that the return of the letter from the ROK Embassy was more threatening than the civil activists?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I don't at all believe that that was the case. I have been informed that our side has told the ROK Government in advance that if they were to return the letter we would not be able to meet. Despite this, they paid a visit to the office without a prior appointment and events played out as they did yesterday.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Regarding the deteriorating relations between Japan and the ROK, a U.S. spokesperson reportedly stated that the situation is "not comfortable". In relation to Japan's action of proposing to jointly institute proceedings before the International Court of Justice, the spokesperson made a comment to the effect that they do not wish to take the side of either Japan or the ROK. How do you view these comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The Government has been in communication with the United States at different levels and on different occasions in relation to this matter. I have been informed that when the Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau relayed developments in the United States, the person with whom he spoke, although not the same individual to whom you are referring, gave a different response. Therefore, I understand that, although they are the words of U.S. officials, different people showed different reactions on the issue.