Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

• The holding of the first Government and Ruling Parties Follow-up Meeting for Postal Reform Issues

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Today from 1:30 pm the first Government and Ruling Parties Follow-up Meeting for Postal Reform Issues was held. As this was the first meeting the participants were as follows: Prime Minister Noda, myself, Minister for Postal Reform and Minister of State for Financial Services Matsushita, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Kawabata, and Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hata. From the ruling parties, Secretary General Koshiishi and Acting Secretary General Tarutoko of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) and President Jimi and Secretary General Shimoji of the People's New Party were in attendance. The meeting was chaired by Minister for Postal Reform Matsushita. Given that under the revised Postal Services Privatization Act a structure has been established for the robust management of the four companies in the new Japan Post Group and an appropriate corporate management system has been established, the meeting attendees confirmed that the Government and ruling parties would make an active follow-up response to ensure that corporate value is enhanced towards the floating of the companies on the stock exchange.

Q&As

• The relocation of Futenma Air Station
• Japan-China relations (including the Senkaku Islands)

REPORTER: The newly appointed United States Consul General to Okinawa gave a press conference yesterday, in which he expressed the view that Futenma Air Station does not present a particular danger, comments which have provoked a negative reaction from local leaders. What is your view of the comments made by Consul General Magleby concerning the danger presented by Futenma Air Station?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Although I am aware of press reports about these comments, currently efforts are being made to clarify their specific intention and therefore I would like to refrain from comment at this stage.

REPORTER: Right from the beginning one of the main reasons for the relocation of Futenma Air Station has been cited as being to remove the danger it presents. What are your thoughts concerning the danger presented by Futenma Air Station?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The dangers of an air station located in a densely populated area have been pointed out previously, which is why consideration should be given to the closure of Futenma Air Station in the near term. It is from this perspective that the proposal to relocate the air station to Henoko came about.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the nationalization of the Senkaku Islands. This morning Governor Ishihara of Tokyo noted that Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Nagashima had paid him a visit recently, and he also stated that if the Government and the owner of the islands had agreed on the nationalization of the islands that would be acceptable. Until yesterday Governor Ishihara was firmly opposed to any nationalization measures, so what are your thoughts on the change in his stance?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I will repeat the response I have made on previous occasions. The process to date has involved communication with the owner of the islands and also with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), but as to the content of the communication between the parties it is not for me to make a comment from a governmental stance. I am aware that the comments made by Governor Ishihara were in an impromptu interview in front of the TMG building and therefore I would like to refrain from making a response to these comments from the standpoint of the Government.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: On a related note, the Government of China has been strongly opposed to nationalization of the islands from the start, and the rise in anti-Japanese sentiment among the public in China is in one sense one of the reasons that led to the incident against Ambassador Niwa's vehicle. What position does the Government intend to take from now in response to the anti-Japanese sentiment in China and the opposition of the Government of China?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As I have said on numerous previous occasions, there is no doubt that the Senkaku Islands are an inherent territory of Japan in light of historical facts and based upon international law. Also, with the objective of continuing to maintain and manage the Senkaku Islands in a peaceful and stable manner, the Government is presently leasing the islands. The current process started when the owner of the islands indicated a desire to sell them, which has resulted in talks between the parties concerned, including the Government and also TMG. The Government will continue to make a response, including in diplomatic relations, with the objective of maintaining and managing the Senkaku Islands in a peaceful and stable manner.

(Abridged)