Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

• The assault by United States' military servicemen in Okinawa

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: With regard to the alleged incident of group sexual assault resulting in injury committed recently by United States servicemen in Okinawa, it has been decided that on Monday, October 22, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Saito will visit Okinawa Prefecture. During his visit he will meet with the deputy governor to explain to the prefectural government the response of the Government to the incident and also the response of the United States. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Saito is also intending to visit the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly. He will take the opportunity of his visit to Okinawa to visit and inspect the patrol vessel "Ryukyu," of the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters of the Japan Coast Guard.

Q&As

• The operation of the MV-22 Osprey aircraft
• Minister of Justice Tanaka

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the MV-22 Osprey aircraft. There is information to suggest that the Osprey aircraft deployed to Futenma Air Station landed in succession at the U.S. base at Iwakuni, before taking off once again. Does the Government consider that these movements indicate the full-fledged operation of the aircraft has been initiated, which was said to be scheduled during the course of this month?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: To give you the facts of this matter, I am aware that around 12:30 pm today two MV-22 Osprey aircraft landed at Iwakuni Air Base. I believe that the purpose of the landing at Iwakuni was for refueling, etc., given the fact that the aircraft were on their way to the Republic of Korea in order to take part in an air show. The aircraft I have mentioned left Iwakuni Air Base at 1:50 pm. These are the facts of the matter. You mentioned the full-fledged operation of the aircraft, but it is my understanding that at this current point in time the aircraft have not been put into full operation.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning Minister of Justice Tanaka. Has the Prime Minister's Office been provided with any further reports about the minister's condition since the press conference following the Cabinet meeting this morning? Also, has Minister Tanaka indicated anything about his intention to remain in office or other matters?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The facts of the matter are that Minister Tanaka entered a hospital in Tokyo shortly after 10:00 am today, in order to undergo tests. He is scheduled to leave hospital after the weekend. There is no truth to suggestions that Minister Tanaka has decided to tender his resignation. In addition, a medical certificate has been issued, which details a number of medical conditions for which detailed examinations are required.

REPORTER: Is your statement that there is no truth to suggestions that Minister Tanaka has decided to resign based on direct contact between you and the minister since his admission to hospital?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Yes.

REPORTER: Would you mind telling us what the minister said?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: He said that he had no intention of resigning.

REPORTER: Did you telephone the minister yourself to confirm his intentions, or was it the case that he telephoned you?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: To speak frankly, it was the case that Minister Tanaka had been surprised to see the press reports about this matter and he telephoned me.

(Abridged)