Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Two Cabinet members' visit to Yasukuni Shrine in a private capacity
• The "Global Fundraiser Award" presented to the President of Ashinaga, a Japanese private organization supporting Orphans, and the promotion of the "New Public Commons"

REPORTER: Today, two Cabinet members, Mr. Hata and Mr. Shimoji, visited Yasukuni Shrine. What are your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I am aware that today, Minister Hata and Minister Shimoji, respectively, visited Yasukuni Shrine. I understand that their visits were made in a private capacity. As visits made in a private capacity are personal matters of the individual ministers, the Government would like to refrain from responding any further on this matter.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: For the "Global Fundraiser Award" that is presented to an outstanding fundraiser in the world, President Tamai of Ashinaga was selected as (this year's) recipient. What are your feelings on this? Also, I believe the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) administration has been making efforts in the area of the "New Public Commons." Can you discuss how the Noda Cabinet intends to pursue next fiscal year's budget formulation and the tax system reform?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: It was brought to my attention a moment ago that this news was reported in the international edition of Kyodo News. I believe your question is based on this report. The report was that on October 17, the International Fundraising Congress being held in Amsterdam awarded the "Global Fundraiser Award," which is presented to this year's most outstanding fundraiser in the world, to Mr. Yoshiomi Tamai, President of Ashinaga, a Japanese private organization that provides support to orphans. I am very pleased that such fundraising activities in Japan received international praise. Two days ago, there was a meeting of the Council on the Promotion of the "New Public Commons," which was also attended by the Prime Minister. As someone who has been involved in these activities from my student days, I am filled with joy. I understand that Ashinaga, as the pioneer of the New Public Commons, is an organization which, during the last half a century, that is, over a period of 45 or 46 years, established volunteer activities or fundraising activities in Japanese society. It is wonderful news that these activities in Japan were recognized by the world.

(Abridged)