Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

• Information following North Korea's announcement of its plan to launch a missile, which it calls a "satellite"
• The collapse of the Sasago Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway and Government's response

Firstly, I would like to provide some information following the announcement by North Korea regarding the launch of a missile purported to be a "satellite." The Japanese Government is first strongly urging North Korea to exercise self-restraint. Considering the area in which North Korea anticipates the missile to fall, even if North Korea goes ahead with the launch, we believe that under ordinary conditions it is unlikely it would fall within Japanese territory. I would like to ask that all citizens, including transportation organizations, continue their daily lives and work even during the launch time specified by North Korea. The Government will provide as much information as possible to citizens, regional public organizations and the media in order to ensure the peace of mind and safety of the public. In addition, if North Korea does launch the missile, we will swiftly provide the necessary information by utilizing Em-Net and J-Alert. Therefore, I would like to ask that everyone remain attentive to information broadcast on the TV and radio.

Next, I would like to speak on the collapsed ceiling (panels) in the Sasago Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway. I have been informed that as of now, nine people have been confirmed dead in the tunnel accident. I would like to offer my heartfelt prayers for the repose of those who lost their lives and I would also like to express my sympathies to those who have suffered injury or damage due to the accident. The Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government, has requested the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to (1) fully commit to the emergency response and rescue of those involved in the accident, (2) investigate the cause and develop reoccurrence prevention measures as soon a possible and (3) earnestly respond to the needs of those affected, including the establishment of a consultation service. Following the Prime Minister's instructions, currently MLIT, police, fire authorities, Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited and other relevant organizations are working together to conduct emergency response and rescue for those involved in the accident. Moving forward, MLIT and Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited will jointly investigate and complete inspections in order to swiftly determine the cause and prevent a reoccurrence of the accident. Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hata and Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Saito are currently on their way to the site to assess the situation. Furthermore, the relevant organizations are determined to come together to exert every effort in responding to the situation.

Q&As

• The accident in the Sasago Tunnel
• North Korea's announcement of its plan to launch a missile, which it calls a "satellite"
• Measures to prevent recurrence of incidents and accidents caused by U.S. military personnel
• Postponement of Japan-North Korea intergovernmental consultations

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the accident in the Sasago Tunnel. I understand that there are other tunnels throughout Japan with the same type of suspended ceiling. What is the Government's view on the investigation of tunnels other than those on the Chuo Expressway?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The first priority for now is to determine the cause as soon as possible and then next, although I believe it may take some time, there must be work toward reoccurrence prevention measures. MLIT and Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited must work together to complete checks and investigations moving forward. The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is on his way to the site, and I believe that determining the cause of the accident is the most pressing need above all else.

REPORTER: Am I then correct to understand that a Japan-wide assessment of tunnels will take place after the completion of the investigation of this accident?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: We have yet to determine the cause of the accident, therefore I believe that we can only know why this accident occurred and what implications it may have for other tunnels across Japan after the cause has been determined.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the North Korean missile launch. In relation to the method by which the Government will release information, will information be double-checked against information from the Self-Defense Force (SDF) and the U.S. military, as was the case last time? Or will information be released after only checking against one of those two sources in the interest of prioritizing the speed of information delivery?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: In relation to the missile launch back in April, the Government's crisis management response verification team produced a report. The report identified some areas that need to be improved. Based on that report, we will continue work on these areas to ensure the best possible crisis management response. More specifically, as one of its major points, the report identified some areas related to the communication of information from the Ministry of Defense (MOD) to the Response Office at the Prime Minister's Office. Another issue that relates to several aspects identified by the report was the communication of information from the Prime Minister's Office to the public. Relevant officials of the Cabinet Secretariat will make a more detailed announcement at a later time.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: It has been reported that U.S. forces based in Okinawa have decided to ban all U.S. service personnel deployed in the prefecture from consuming alcohol outside of bases. Could you share with us the Government's views on this decision?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Let me first establish the facts. U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) announced on the evening of December 1 that U.S. service personnel deployed in Okinawa will be banned from consuming alcohol off base; that alcohol sales on base after 10 pm will be discontinued; and that measures will be implemented, including alcohol checks at base entrances. In relation to the incidents and accidents involving U.S. servicemen, the Japanese Government has always, on many occasions, called on the United States to implement effective preventative measures, including compliance with a nighttime curfew. I want to positively commend the measures this time as a concrete trial undertaken on the initiative of the U.S. side. At the same time, we understand that efforts by the U.S., including these recent decisions, are not meaningful unless they are effective. Therefore, the Government would like to continue to follow up on the efforts of the United States.

REPORTER: Due to the plan of the North Korean missile launch, Japan-North Korea intergovernmental consultations have been postponed. During a doorstepping interview, the Prime Minister commented that "the decision was made after considering the overall situation." I believe that intergovernmental consultations would have been the only opportunity to hold official consultations prior to the launch of the missile. Could you please provide us with more details on how you came to this decision?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Of course, there were views from both perspectives. However, if we look back at the incident in April, as the Prime Minister commented, the UN Security Council already issued a Presidential Statement in April demanding no further missile launches. Therefore, we have been strongly urging North Korea to exercise self-restraint and abandon future launches. If North Korea still presses ahead with the launch, we will implement the various measures I mentioned earlier. After assessing the situation, or as I said earlier, "after considering the overall situation" as well as reflecting on the incident in April, we have come to the conclusion that we have no option but to postpone the consultations involving Director-General level representatives scheduled to take place on December 5 and 6, although I am aware that these consultations were setup well before the launch announcement.

REPORTER: I understand that the consultations have been postponed but is there any prospect that the consultations will take place under the current administration?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The consultations have been postponed, and I cannot comment prematurely as to when they may recommence.

(Abridged)