Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japanese domestic politics

REPORTER: During the Party Leaders' Debate earlier, Prime Minister Noda noted that the condition was to reduce the number of Diet members. Is it OK to interpret that an agreement on the dissolution of the House of Representatives was made between the Prime Minister and President Abe of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: It is for each person to interpret as they will. However, I believe that is clearly the implication.

REPORTER: So based on the discussion, including LDP President Abe's response, is it correct to understand that at the debate a formal declaration was made to dissolve the House of Representatives on November 16?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I believe the first words uttered by the Prime Minister were "I will."

REPORTER: It did not seem to me that the LDP, in its responses, committed to reducing the number of Diet members. Are you convinced that you will be able to obtain the LDP's commitment going forward?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Right now, I only know as far as what is in the news. It was reported a moment ago that the Board members of the largest opposition party, the LDP, gathered together and expressed their intent to quickly give a proper response regarding the matter noted earlier.

REPORTER: The dissolution is happening when we are about to face the harsh winter. In terms of reconstruction, I believe creating a political vacuum will impose a large burden on the people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake who are still evacuating. What are your thoughts in this regard?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Although the term "political vacuum" is often used, it is not at all as though the Government becomes nonexistent. The Government, for its part, is taking steady steps toward reconstruction. Procedures will be implemented in sequence for the disposal of debris or decontamination or other issues. As you are aware, dissolution means that the House of Representatives will be dissolved and that elections will be held. There is of course still the House of Councillors. That said, naturally, I do believe the Government should devise ways to ensure as much as possible that the peoples' lives and the people in East Japan are not inconvenienced.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: With the Prime Minister specifying a date - by November 16, I believe there are prospects for cooperation between the LDP and New Komeito. Do you believe that the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), on the contrary, will take the Prime Minister's statement seriously and take measures by November 16?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: This was the decision of the Prime Minister. The Government and ruling party together will confirm these matters properly at today's meeting between the senior officials of the Government and the DPJ.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: If the House of Representatives is dissolved on November 16, I presume that the Prime Minister was also considering traveling overseas during the weekend. How does the schedule work out in this regard?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As I have been stating, dissolution means that the House of Representatives will dissolve. The Government, for its part, will fully carry out its tasks. There is of course still the House of Councillors. I believe it is the responsibility of the Government to get through what needs to be done in this state.

(Abridged)