Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The recognition of history
• The Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting
• The Joint Statement by the Preparatory Committee for the 2015 NPT Review Conference
• Avian influenza in China
• Response to the situation of North Korea
• The TPP
• The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

REPORTER: Earlier today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK) summoned Japanese Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bessho and made a protest stating that it is extremely regrettable that regressive statements and actions have been taken in relation to the recognition of history. You previously stated that there was no specific protest from the ROK Government, but I believe this is the first official protest since the visits of Government ministers to the Yasukuni Shrine. Could you share with us the Government's views on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have been informed that the 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea lodged a protest in line with the ROK Government's normal stance with Japanese Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bessho in relation to the visits of Japanese Government ministers to the Yasukuni Shrine and the Government's recognition of history. I have also been informed that the Japanese Government has responded to the protest in line with its usual position, which I have also spoken on publicly. Either way, I believe that in any country the expression of respect for those who sacrificed their lives for the nation is perfectly natural. Additionally the Republic of Korea and China are both very important neighbors of Japan and it is not our wish that issues surrounding the Yasukuni Shrine influence bilateral relations with those nations. Therefore, we are determined to maintain a broad perspective and strengthen our relationship with those countries. This is the Government's position on the Yasukuni Shrine issue.

REPORTER: The ROK Government also stated in the same protest that they struggle to understand that Japan made such actions and statements in relation to past acts of aggression and the history of colonial rule. Since the ROK Government commented that they struggle to comprehend this, it suggests to me that Japan's explanation regarding its view of history, not just limited to the Yasukuni Shirine issue but also including the Murayama Statement, has not been communicated effectively. What are your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that you have all heard the Diet session discussions, but only fragments of those discussions, such as "aggression", have been quoted. The current exchanges are all based on this definition. I believe that what we are seeing now is the result of the sensational media reporting of a series of events. As I have stated on a number of occasions, the Abe Administration recognizes that during and in the period leading up to the last war, Japan caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations. The Japanese Government humbly accepts these facts of history and therefore has expressed its feelings of profound remorse and offered a heartfelt apology. The Japanese Government has expressed sincere mourning for all the victims, both at home and abroad, involved in the last war. The Koizumi Statement shares this same view and the Abe Cabinet has exactly the same understanding. As I stated earlier, the Republic of Korea, China and all the other neighboring countries are extremely important to Japan. Therefore, we are determined to work further in strengthening our relationships with those nations and contribute to the peace and prosperity of the region while maintaining a broad perspective. Past prime ministers have made statements on significant anniversaries such as when former Prime Minister Murayama made a statement at the 50th anniversary of war's end and (former) Prime Minister Koizumi did the same on the 60th anniversary in order to present the views of their respective cabinets. The Abe Cabinet is also hoping to make a future-focused statement befitting of the 21st century at an appropriate time. This is the official view of Japan.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on a related topic. You stated that only fragments were quoted, however I understand that the questions raised by the House of Councilors during this discussion pointed out that there were some ambiguity in the Murayama Statement. The Prime Minister responded to the questions and admitted that there was in fact some ambiguity, adding that it is fair to say that there is no academic or international standardized definition for "act of aggression". Prime Minister Abe himself admitted that there is some ambiguity in the Murayama Statement and I believe that is what has caused the controversy. I understand that the Abe Cabinet has adopted the same stance as the Murayama Statement yet Prime Minister Abe also said that the meaning of "act of aggression" is unclear. You said that the quotes were fragmented but it seems to me that it was Prime Minister Abe who spoke in a fragmented manner, which led to the current situation.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like you to understand our general recognition of history by taking account of our overall stance rather than forming an opinion based on one comment. It is not our hope at all that this will develop into a diplomatic or political issue.

REPORTER: Earlier you stated that the Cabinet is hoping to make a statement at an appropriate time. Am I right to understand that this next statement will adopt the same view of the past wars as the previous statements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I said during previous press conferences, we would like to make a future-focused statement after holding experts' meetings and listening to various opinions.

REPORTER: I would like to ask another question. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea has stated that Japan will pay for disregarding history. The Minister used the strong words, "pay for", so could you inform us how the Government received these comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We will address this matter in the position of being responsible for the peace and prosperity of the region, while maintaining a broad perspective.

REPORTER: Could you share with us exactly how the Government will address the situation to ensure that the situation does not escalate?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I said we will attempt to communicate the views of the Japanese Government.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on a related topic. With regard to the Murayama Statement, after listening to the Prime Minister's response the other day, I got the impression that the Cabinet's attitude toward the adoption of the Murayama Statement has changed since the inauguration of the Cabinet. Could you tell us if the current administration's position is currently in line with the Murayama Statement or if it has drifted away from it?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I said earlier, the Cabinet has exactly the same view of the last war. Additionally, the Prime Minister believes that we must be humble in discussing history and therefore the Prime Minister and the Government of the time should refrain from speaking lightly of matters concerning history. It is not at all our hope that this will develop into a diplomatic or political issue, so I will not comment any further.

REPORTER: Could you tell us in what areas in particular would the Government like to make efforts in order to improve the relations of Japan, China and the Republic of Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are currently communicating with those nations via diplomatic routes and we will continue to make efforts so that our ideas, which I just shared, are communicated without misunderstanding.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on a related topic. I believe that the meeting involving Japan, China and the Republic of Korea originally scheduled for May 25 or 26 looks like it is unlikely to happen and I have heard that instead the Prime Minister is investigating the possibility of visiting Myanmar. Could you inform us of the facts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have no knowledge of this at all. As for the meeting involving Japan, China and the Republic of Korea, we are yet to have been officially notified that it has been postponed. I believe that the Republic of Korea, who is the host nation of this meeting, is currently making arrangements.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). I believe that Japan did not sign the joint statement by the Preparatory Committee for the 2015 NPT Review Conference that describes nuclear weapons as inhumane. Could you tell us why Japan, the only nation to have suffered an atomic bombing, did not support this statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would very much like you to understand this but the joint statement states that "it is in the interest of the very survival of humanity that nuclear weapons are never used again, under any circumstances." Given the very difficult national security issues surrounding Japan, Japan has requested that the phrase "under any circumstances" be removed. In this context, Japan had very careful deliberations on this phrase to determine if the phrase was really appropriate when considering the current national security situation of Japan, and we consequently decided to not support the statement. However, at the same time, Japan is the only nation to have suffered an atomic bombing, as you said, and therefore we know better the implications of the use of nuclear weapons than any other nation. The joint statement also says that the use of nuclear weapons will not only result in immediate damage but also inflict long-term socio-economic damage and unbearable suffering over many generations. Japan naturally supports those basic views of the statement given our experiences. It is our genuine hope that Japan will further explore the possibility of signing such a statement that includes these overriding views.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: With regard to the relationships of Japan with China and the Republic of Korea, it appears that China and the Republic of Korea have been strengthening their relationship; an example being the establishment of a hotline between China and the Republic of Korea. In light of this, when considering the stability of East Asia, including North Korea, some people have voiced concerns that Japan may be excluded. What are your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I don't believe that this is the case at all. The Japanese Government is also addressing this issue with all its resources.

REPORTER: Returning to the topic of the NPT, you said earlier that the Government would like to further explore the possibility of signing the joint statement, but am I right to understand that the Government is planning to make some kind of statement regarding the joint statement at the Preparatory Committee?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The joint statement says that "it is in the interest of the very survival of humanity that nuclear weapons are never used again" and I believe this is very true. Therefore, in a sense it is very natural for us to support this. However, as a precondition it also states that nuclear weapons should not be used "under any circumstances." When considering the national security situation of Japan, the Government carried out discussions to determine if it is truly a good idea to support that statement and then made a decision as a responsible Government. As I mentioned, Japan is the only country that has suffered an atomic bombing and therefore knows best the tragedy of a nuclear bombing. Therefore, naturally we believe that all nations throughout the world should make efforts toward ensuring that nuclear weapons are never used again in the interests of the very survival of humanity.

REPORTER: So this leads me to think that Japan lies somewhere between the abolition of nuclear weapons and the contradicting U.S. nuclear policy. What are your views of this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In reality there are a number of nations with a policy similar to that of the U.S. within close proximity to Japan. It is the responsibility of the Government to protect the lives and safety of our citizens, so after giving much thought to these things, we decided on this occasion to not support the statement. However, we believe that naturally it is our task to make efforts so that all nations throughout the world will support the abolition of nuclear weapons.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding avian influenza. It has been confirmed that a Taiwanese male who traveled to China contracted the disease. There are a large number of Japanese nationals who travel between Japan and China, or travel to China. Does the Government have any particular plans to address the risk of infection of Japanese nationals?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of this announcement, which was made in Taiwan. I fully understand the public's concern that infected individuals may come to Japan. In light of this, the Government has been checking the temperatures of people returning from China at quarantine stations using thermographic cameras and other devices. Additionally, the Government has been ensuring that anyone traveling to and from China is aware of the situation. Furthermore, as we approach Golden Week holidays, we are aware that we must further strengthen these initiatives. The Government has been attempting to be as ready as possible for any potential development by, for instance designating the influenza as an infectious disease pursuant to Infectious Disease Law, which will enable us to take measures similar to those taken following the outbreak of avian influenza H5N1, such as involuntary hospitalization and restrictions on attending work.

REPORTER: Today is the North Korean anniversary of the founding of its army. Could you tell us how you view the possibility of a ballistic missile launch? Also, given that Golden Week begins this weekend, am I right to understand that the Government will maintain its current state of alert?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Whether the ballistic missile will be launched or not is entirely dependent on North Korea, but the Japanese Government has been gathering and analyzing all kinds of information. The Government is taking all possible measures to ensure that the lives and safety of citizens are protected. We will ensure that we remain as prepared as possible while we continue to gather information.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on a related topic. It has been reported that compared to the period around April 10, the signs of a North Korean missile launch have weakened. Could you inform us of the change in the situation, particularly in regard to signs of a missile launch, at this point facing April 25?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: If you are asking me if there are less signs of an imminent missile launch, it appears true that North Korea appears to be taking fewer provocative actions.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). It has been reported that the U.S. Government has notified Congress of Japan's participation in the TPP negotiations. Could you tell us how the Japanese Government evaluates this and also share your thoughts on the next step?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of this media report. I believe that this means that Japan now can see the concrete prospect of participating in the TPP negotiations. Full-scale negotiations are finally starting and if we enter negotiations, we would like to make the most of our bargaining power to best serve the national interests and lead the development of new trading and investment rules in the Asia-Pacific region.

REPORTER: So far you have stated that the timing at which Japan is to enter full-scale negotiations would be this July. Am I right to understand that this hasn't changed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that they have a 90 day rule and the U.S. Government only notified Congress on April 24, so Japan will be able to begin negotiations after 90 days from that date.

REPORTER: Please let me change the topic. My question concerns the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It has been reported that the government will withdraw the 25% reduction target, which was developed during the Hatoyama Administration, and notify the United Nations in May. Could you inform us of the facts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This is not the case at all. Back in January, the Prime Minister gave us instructions to conduct a zero-based review of the 25% emission reduction target by COP19, which takes place in November. The relevant board of review is currently discussing this matter in line with the current global warming prevention policy developed at the March 15 Global Warming Prevention Headquarters meeting and there is no truth to the media reports. The matter is still under discussion.

(Abridged)