Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Government measures in response to North Korea's plan to launch a missile purported to be a "satellite"

REPORTER: Based on yesterday's explanation by the Government about its measures in response to North Korea's plan to launch a missile, I would like to once again ask a question. Last time, after SEW information was received, radar detection information was not transmitted promptly. The Government's response was criticized as inappropriate. (Abridged) Specifically, there was a delay in checking the SEW information against the radar detection information, causing a delay in relaying the information. I believe that was the foremost or major element. This time, what specific measures will be taken to overcome this problem?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I believe yesterday I fully explained about the variety of improvements that have been made to the way the information was presented in April, which you just mentioned. In April, the object flying toward Japan was detected by SEW but was not confirmed by radar. In such cases, as J-ALERT is an alert system, Em-Net will be used instead to relay information, such as that a flying object of some kind may have been launched, or that there is nothing flying toward Japan, or that the details are currently being confirmed. This will be done not too long after SEW information is received - within a few minutes' time. The use of Em-Net represents a big difference from April. In this sense, I believe a big improvement or a difference from April is that information, such as that there is something or there is something going on, will be notified as quickly as possible, including to relevant organizations.

REPORTER: In that case, this time do you believe that a perfect system is in place for promptly relaying information to the people, even if the object takes an anomalous flight?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Extensive verifications have been conducted since April. While performing simulations, improvements have been made under the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary for Crisis Management. Therefore, we stand ready to respond thoroughly.

REPORTER: One last question. Last time, in terms of the information dissemination approach, the fact that the Minister of Defense was the first to hold a press conference prompted questions from opposition parties. Is it correct to understand that you, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, will be the first to hold a press conference? Also, specifically, about how long after the occurrence of the event do you intend to hold a press conference?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: In short, it is as follows. SEW will detect the object. Then, of course, this will be confirmed by radar. This, too, will be done within a few minutes. In order to hold a press conference as quickly as possible from the start of the process, I would like to hold the first press conference within around 30 minutes. Preparations are now being made to do this.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Going back to the issue of SEW information, you stated that you would like to hold a press conference within around 30 minutes. Does this mean the press conference will be held after the first SEW information is received or after it is checked with the radar information?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: In either case, this time, Em-Net will be used to transmit information, as long as an alarm of some sort does not need to be sent out. Therefore, so long as Em-Net is used to disseminate information, I will hold a press conference to provide a description of this. This is what I meant when I said within 30 minutes.