Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• An overview of the first Cabinet meeting
• A review on the appropriate division of roles between politics and the public sector

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I would like to apologize for the delay. Once again, I am Yoshihide Suga, and I have been appointed as the Chief Cabinet Secretary. I look forward to working with you all. I would like to start with an overview of the first Cabinet meeting. The Statement by the Prime Minister and the Basic Policy were decided as shown in the material in front of you. Next, the Prime Minister made a statement concerning the prior designation of ministers who would serve as the acting Prime Minister pursuant to Article 9 of the Cabinet Act. The following ministers will serve as the acting Prime Minister according to the following order of precedence: first is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Aso; second is myself, Chief Cabinet Secretary; third is Minister of Justice Tanigaki; fourth is Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy Amari; and fifth is Minister of the Environment Ishihara. Next, it was decided that the Headquarters for Japan's Economic Revitalization will be established. The Headquarters will have the Prime Minister as the Chair, the Deputy Prime Minister as the acting Chair, the Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy and myself as the Deputy Chairs, and all remaining ministers as members. Also, a decision was made to abolish certain committees, such as the Council on National Strategy and Policy and the Government Revitalization Unit. In addition, regarding personnel decisions, the appointment of the Director-General of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau and others was decided. Information on the establishment of the Headquarters and the personnel decisions has been distributed to you. Next, the Prime Minister gave instructions on the formulation of the supplementary budget and next fiscal year's budget. With that, the first Cabinet meeting was concluded.  

Following this, the ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting took place. We reviewed the appropriate division of roles between politics and the public sector and discussed and decided on the "modality of politics and the public sector" as shown in the material in front of you. With that, the ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting were concluded.

Next, it was decided that the people shown in the material in front of you will be appointed as the Special Advisors to the Cabinet. A short while ago, the Prime Minister gave letters of assignment.

Q&As

• The Prime Minister's instruction on the supplementary budget and next fiscal year's budget
• The role of a newly created position of the Minister in charge of Strengthening National Security
• Diet management under the divided Diet
• The Yamba Dam in Gunma Prefecture
• Territorial issues
• The Headquarter for Japan's Economic Revitalization and its relation with the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy
• The position of the Governor of the Bank of Japan
• The relocation of Futenma Air Station to Henoko
• Ministerial positions in charge of the nuclear accident related matters
• Japan-China relations
• The role of a newly created position of the Minister in charge of "Cool Japan" Strategy
• The abolishment of the Government Revitalization Unit and the Headquarters for Administrative Reform Implementation, and future administrative reforms
• Relationships between politics and the private sector
• The TPP
• The Murayama Statement

REPORTER: You mentioned that the Prime Minister gave instructions on the supplementary budget and next fiscal year's budget. Specifically, what did he say?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister stated that the economy is in an extremely precarious state and that every effort will be made so that we will be able to pass the supplementary and the regular budgets as quickly as possible by sacrificing the year-end and New Year's holiday.

REPORTER: I would like to ask two questions. The first concerns the Prime Minister's instructions regarding the supplementary budget. Were instructions given on the specific size or amount of the supplementary budget? Or, as the Chief Cabinet Secretary, what do you consider as an appropriate size of the budget?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister did not give a specific number. In light of the extremely difficult situation, I believe it will be a large-scale supplementary budget. The Prime Minister gave firm instructions to formulate the supplementary and regular budgets in order to manage to boost the Japanese economy. 

REPORTER: My second question concerns your role as the Minister in Charge of Strengthening National Security. Can you please discuss the specific instructions with regard to this role or provide a description of this role? Also, do you intend to aim to pass the legislation to create a Japanese version of the National Security Council (NSC) at the ordinary session of the Diet? If you can please answer these two questions.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Crisis management, as far as I am concerned, is indeed to ensure the safety and security of the people. It is imperative that the safety and security of the people are secured. Therefore, the Government as a whole will exert collective efforts to carry out crisis management which can fully protect the security and safety of the people.

REPORTER: How about whether you intend to aim to pass the legislation on the Japanese version of NSC at the ordinary session of the Diet?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That will be studied going forward.

REPORTER: In the recent general election, the LDP won by gaining an overwhelming number of seats in the House of Representatives. However, with the House of Councillors, there is still a situation of the divided Diet. In this context, how do you aspire to run the Diet? What kind of considerations will be given toward the opposition parties?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In this regard, first of all, we will explain our ideas and policies to the opposition parties as cordially and carefully as possible with humbleness, and make every effort to obtain the cooperation of the opposition parties. In addition, as there are also opposition parties which agree with us depending on the policy, if possible, we will deepen partnerships with opposition parties on a policy basis and meet the expectations of the people.

REPORTER: If I may raise an individual issue, I would like to ask about the Yamba Dam in Gunma Prefecture. The LDP in its platform set out a policy on the Yamba Dam. Is my understanding correct that the cost of constructing the main structure of the dam will be earmarked in next fiscal year's budget and that full-fledged construction will be commencing? Also, the previous administration sought the establishment of a new development plan as a condition for starting the construction of the main structure of the dam. For this reason, a portion of the project costs which are earmarked in this fiscal year's budget has been frozen. Does the new administration intend to quickly move ahead with the commencement of the relevant construction from this fiscal year without being tied to this condition? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe the construction of the Yamba Dam will be properly handled by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. With regard to the FY2013 draft budget, I believe the budget will be appropriately processed and dealt with in the forthcoming budget formulation process.

REPORTER: I have two questions regarding territorial issues. It is written in the LDP's policy platform for the general election that an organization which will have jurisdiction over the territories will be established within the Cabinet. Firstly, will this be realized under the Abe Cabinet? Secondly, what is the Cabinet's consideration regarding the handling of the "Takeshima Day" ceremony on February 22?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Regarding the Takeshima issue, first, our basic view is that Takeshima is an inherent part of the territory of Japan in the light of historical facts and based upon international law, and we will be tenaciously tackle this issue, including the possibility of settling the dispute through the International Court of Justice. With regard to the establishment of this Takeshima Day, we will give careful consideration to it while bearing in mind various situations. As for a countermeasures headquarters, this will be examined going forward by carefully consulting with the Prime Minister.

REPORTER: I would like to ask two questions. My first question is about the Headquarters for Japan's Economic Revitalization. This paper states that the Headquarters will be working in collaboration with the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy. Can you once again explain how the two entities will be working together and how the roles will be divided between them? In particular, in previous LDP administrations, when a policy on the budget establishment was to be decided, an outline was decided by the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy and the Council acted as a "control tower." If a budget policy becomes necessary, which entity will be deciding on this policy? This is my first question.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The basic idea is that the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy will decide on the macro elements. And the Headquarters for Japan's Economic Revitalization will make decisions relating to economic growth. In principle, decisions will be made in the context of this broad concept. 

REPORTER: In that case, will the macro elements, such as the basic budget policy, be decided by the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This will be examined within the Headquarters for Japan's Economic Revitalization, which will be established from now on for the first time.

REPORTER: One more question. As we approach the spring of next year, the focus will be on who will be chosen as the Governor of the Bank of Japan. I believe this will be a critical personnel decision for the administration. In what way do you intend to move forward with the considerations, and what kind of a person do you believe is desirable for this position at this moment in time?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister, from when he was the President of the LDP, disseminated information on several occasions with regard to overcoming the deflation and remedying the appreciation of the yen. I believe it is natural that indeed a person who holds similar views as these is selected.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question in relation to Futenma Air Station in Okinawa. During a press conference the other day, Prime Minster Abe expressed his intent to attempt to gain (local) citizen's understanding for the relocation of the station to Henoko in Nago City. The mayors of all 41 municipalities in Okinawa, including the Governor, oppose the relocation to Henoko. Additionally, the four Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) backed candidates who were elected in the recent elections are also against the relocation of the station to a site within Okinawa and therefore Henoko. Could you please share with us how exactly the Government will seek understanding from the residents?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As the Prime Minister stated, we would like to proceed with this matter so as to gain as much understanding from the residents of Okinawa as possible.

REPORTER: Am I right to understand the Government plans to proceed with the relocation to Henoko?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes, that is correct, just as the Prime Minister said.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question in relation to the personnel decision regarding the minister in charge of nuclear accident related matters. During the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) administration, Minister Hosono followed by Minister Nagahama, were appointed Minister for the Restoration from and Prevention of Nuclear Accident. However, under the new Cabinet this position has been discontinued and Minister for Reconstruction Nemoto has been also appointed to be in charge of Comprehensive Policy Coordination for Revival from the Nuclear Accident at  Fukushima. What are the objectives and reasons for this decision?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The DPJ had their own reasons and we have own reasons. Our understanding is that Minister for Reconstruction Nemoto is from Fukushima and has a good understanding of the area. The Government would also like to address the issues with the close cooperation of Minister of the Environment Ishihara.

REPORTER: During the press conference by the Prime Minister earlier today, we saw Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sugita collapse before he was carried out of the venue. Being a Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, I understand that he will be responsible for risk management. Could you tell us how he is at the moment, and also if the Government has any concern for his ability to perform his duties in the future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Thank you for your concern. He has now recovered and actually attended the meeting we held earlier. I have been informed that he was felt temporarily ill due to dehydration and he has now recovered. We understand there are no concerns for anything that would prevent him from fulfilling his duties.

REPORTER: It has been pointed out that age may have contributed to him collapsing. Does the Government have any concerns in that sense, including how to prevent future recurrences?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We believe that there is nothing at all to be concerned about.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question in relation to the relocation of the Futenma Air Station, a topic that was also raised earlier. The environmental impact assessment has finally been completed and will now be disclosed and be made available for public review. This means the application for landfill approval can now be submitted to the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture. When does the Abe Cabinet plan to submit the application? For instance, does the Government plan to submit the application after gaining the understanding of Okinawa residents, including the Governor, or does the Government plan to proceed with the submission as an administrative task? Could you share with us the timeframe that the Government has in mind?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We would like to determine when to submit the application while making efforts to gain as much understanding from Okinawan residents as possible.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question in relation to diplomatic matters. During the previous DPJ administration, Japan-China relations deteriorated due to situations between the two Governments surrounding the Senkaku Islands. Could you share with us how the LDP administration assessed the DPJ's handling of the situation? Could you also tell us if the LDP administration intends to take a different approach to your predecessors?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Prime Minister Abe previously established a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests with China. There is no question that the Senkaku Islands are a Japanese territory and we have no intention to compromise this fact. However, in light of Prime Minister Abe's previous achievements, we would like to make diplomatic efforts in a way that ensures that a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests is maintained.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question in relation to "Cool Japan". I believe that previously the project was undertaken under the leadership of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). What are the objectives of creating a new ministerial position to administer "Cool Japan" strategies?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As you pointed out, the project was previously undertaken solely by METI. I believe that the decision to create a new position should be interpreted as a sign of our strong commitment to have the entire Government involved in the initiative.

REPORTER: Could you share with us the intention behind the decision made during the first Cabinet meeting to discontinue the Government Revitalization Unit and the Headquarters for Administrative Reform Implementation? Could you also tell us how the new administration is planning to conduct administrative reforms?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have appointed a Minister of State for Administrative Reform within the new Cabinet and believe that this is an extremely important role. From our perspective it was difficult to see the effectiveness of the previous organizations. We are hopeful that we will be able to make a start as a Government capable of forcing through administrative reforms.

REPORTER: We have received notes on the relationship between politics and the private sector . Does the Government have any intention to restore the administrative vice ministers' meetings and administrative vice ministers' press conferences?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have been discussing the possibility. We believe that they are necessary to gain a complete picture of situations.

REPORTER: Are you referring to administrative vice ministers' meetings?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes, that is correct, I was referring to the meetings.

REPORTER: What are your thoughts on administrative vice ministers' press conferences?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We believe they may be necessary to, in some way, complement minister's press conferences.

REPORTER: I believe that under the administration of the previous Cabinet, the Minister for National Policy was solely responsible for matters related to the TPP negotiations. In other words, someone was assigned specifically to that task, while the National Policy Unit was also assigned to the task. Does the new Government have any intention to assign a minister or establish a group that will be primarily responsible for matters related to participation in the TPP negotiations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This is an issue for the entire Cabinet; therefore, if I am correct, nobody has specifically been designated responsible for dealing with the matter. We will review this and let you know.

REPORTER: Does the new Government intend to follow the Murayama Statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Japanese Government has sincerely expressed its condolences for the loss of both Japanese and non-Japanese victims of the war. Our administration also shares this same view. The 2006 Abe Cabinet expressed its intent to take on the same stance as the previous administration and therefore we too also intend to take the same stance as past Cabinets.