Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• An overview of the Cabinet meeting

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved five general and other measures, the promulgation of legislation, legislation proposals, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the findings of an administrative evaluation and monitoring of the measures, etc., to prevent the social isolation of the elderly, and I made a statement concerning acting ministers while ministers are away on overseas visits.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, I made a statement concerning the overseas visits of ministers, etc., during the long spring holiday.

Q&As

• Japan's response to the situation of North Korea
• The demise of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Between yesterday evening and this morning, Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) units were deployed to areas in the Greater Tokyo area, including Ichigaya. Can you explain what the objective of the deployment is? Also, I would like to once again ask if this deployment is based on an order for destruction measures.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is true that PAC-3 units were deployed to Ichigaya, Narashino, and Asaka as part of our readiness to protect the lives and safety of the Japanese people. As I stated yesterday, I would like to refrain from responding to your question on the responses taken by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), including the deployment of PAC-3 units, as this is tantamount to revealing our strategy. In any case, we are taking all possible measures to protect the lives and safety of the Japanese people.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Was this in fact a response to the actions taken by North Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It was part of our ongoing measures in relation to North Korea. It was one of our measures to ensure full readiness.

REPORTER: Former Prime Minister Thatcher has passed away. Will the Government be sending anyone to the funeral? And if so, what is the status of the considerations with regard to the selection of this individual?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The news of the demise of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom (UK) came as a great surprise and fills me with profound sadness. The Japanese Government would like to express its sincere condolences to her family, the UK Government, and the people in the UK. As Prime Minister Abe stated yesterday, former Prime Minister Thatcher was a great leader who set a personal example of strong determination towards any challenge she faced, and she was a politician worthy of respect who devoted her all to her nation and her people. I have not yet heard anything specific about when the funeral service will be held. However, according to the press release of the UK Government, a wide and diverse range of people and groups with connections to the former Prime Minister will be invited. As such, Japan will consider our response to the funeral service while gathering more information regarding this.

REPORTER: Going back to the subject of North Korea, some reports indicate that North Korea has announced its missile launch. What are the facts behind this, as far as you are aware?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that this was reported by the media. Japan is working together closely with the United States and other relevant countries to collect information on North Korea so that we are fully prepared to protect the lives and safety of the Japanese people.

(Abridged)