Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Presentation of the letters of assignment to the Governor and the two Deputy Governors of the Bank of Japan
• Japan-U.S. defense cooperation
• The bail-out of Cyprus
• Cyber terrorist acts against the ROK

REPORTER: At this exact moment, I believe the Prime Minister is giving letters of assignment to Mr. Kuroda, who was appointed as the Governor of the Bank of Japan (BOJ), and to the two Deputy Governors. Can you once again explain what the Government expects from the new structure?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I was also present just now when the letters of assignment were given to the three individuals. I believe the three are indeed the most suited for working together with the Government on its basic policy of bold monetary easing. I hope that this new structure will promote effective monetary policies so that the 2% price stability target set forth in the previously submitted Joint Statement between the Government and the BOJ may be achieved at an early date. Moving forward, the Government will take steps in close coordination with the BOJ in a variety of settings, including at the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy and the policy meeting of the BOJ.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: There are some news reports stating that the Governments of Japan and the United States (U.S.) will establish a joint operation plan which envisions contingencies involving the Senkaku Islands. There are also reports that to this end, Chief of Staff Iwasaki and Commander of U.S. Pacific Command Locklear have started talks in Hawaii. In some reports, it is also stated that the two meet regularly. Can you verify the facts and explain the objectives of all of this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to Japan-U.S. relations, in accordance with the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation, the two countries have from before been working together closely to enable responses to various situations and to conduct various reviews toward enabling appropriate responses. This is what we are doing now. I would like to refrain from speaking on content. Therefore, the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command and the Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff hold routine consultations, and these are not a response to any circumstances which are special in nature.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The parliament of Cyprus has voted down a proposal to impose taxes on bank deposits. However, some point to the risk that the European crisis may resurface. What are the views of the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are aware that Cyprus faces these realistic issues. However, as I also stated last time, in any case I believe the countries concerned will be studying the way forward under the leadership of the European Union (EU), and Japan will continue to watch over the impact of that. That is the situation.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Cyber terrorist acts against the Republic of Korea (ROK) have been reported. Has there been any associated interference with Japan's systems? Also, can you please tell us the response of the Japanese Government, if there is any?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Based on the news reports about this matter in the ROK, a re-inspection was immediately ordered in Japan. The result was that as of now, there have not been any such attacks in Japan. Nevertheless, we will continue to collect various intelligence pertaining to the Japanese Government or infrastructure businesses with a sense of urgency.

(Abridged)