Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The understanding of history
• The suspension of the operation of Monju
• Prime Minister's overseas visits
• The foreign exchange market

REPORTER: Regarding the Murayama Statement, Chair of the Policy Research Council Takaichi of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) stated that the Murayama Statement, which contains the word "aggression," does not strike a chord with her. She expressed that if a new statement is issued in the year after next, the Cabinet should consider making changes to language such as "aggression." Can you please explain your opinions regarding this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that is Ms. Takaichi's own personal opinion. The Government's view is as I have stated here clearly. That is the bottom line.

REPORTER: Policy Research Council Chair Takaichi made this statement immediately after you stated on Friday that the Abe Cabinet would take the same stance of previous Cabinets regarding the understanding of history. What do you think about the fact that she made this statement at that particular timing?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe Ms. Takaichi made the statement in her personal capacity. The Government's view is clear and will not change at all. It all boils down to what I stated last week.

REPORTER: On the same TV program in which Ms. Takaichi made this statement, she also noted that the Prime Minister holds different views of the Tokyo Tribunal with regard to the recognition of the nation and the understanding of history. What is the Government's view regarding this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That cannot be. This is because the Government has formally accepted the judgments of the Tokyo Tribunal.

REPORTER: What about the understanding held by the Prime Minister?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister has also accepted the judgments in a formal manner. There is nothing more or less to it than that.

REPORTER: Slightly overlapping with an earlier question, what does the Government think about Ms. Takaichi's responsibility for making statements regarding these sensitive issues which lead to misunderstanding?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe Ms. Takaichi is free to speak her mind. The Government's view is as has been stated clearly at my press conferences and at the Diet. That is all there is to it.

REPORTER: Ms. Takaichi is the Chair of the Policy Research Council and I believe is in a position to compile the LDP's public pledge for the House of Councillors election. Is there any possibility that the view of the Government and ruling party will change ahead of the House of Councillors election? Or is there any necessity to discuss this matter ahead of the election?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government's view has been stated clearly at the Diet, and I too have stated it on the occasion of the press conferences. That is all there is to it.

REPORTER: It's not possible that the view will be changed in the future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No, it will not be changed.

REPORTER: On a related point, then, I believe the LDP and the Government will be working together on the campaign for the House of Councillors election. However, from the standpoint of the voters, if the Policy Research Council Chair says that this is the Prime Minister's intent, this creates misunderstanding or leads the people to think that this is indeed what the Prime Minister has in mind. How will consistency be maintained across the different statements made by the Government and the party?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I too have seen the news reports about this. You are saying that the people are misled, is that correct? The view of the Government and the Prime Minister has been made clear, and the view that has been expressed to date is absolute.

REPORTER: So you are saying that you do not mind if Policy Research Council Chair Takaichi continues to speak as she pleases?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The ruling party will thoroughly explain its position by which I mean the Government's view.

REPORTER: Does that mean you would like to explain the Government's view to the party?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Rather than talking to the party, I do not know in what way Ms. Takaichi made the statement as I have not yet spoken with her. However, the view of the Cabinet is clear, and that is absolute.

REPORTER: Policy Research Council Chair Takaichi made statements in the context of drafting the next statement. I presume that considerations will be made going forward with regard to the drafting of the next statement. At this point in time, will the word "aggression" be included or not included?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have stated a number of times, it has been made clear that in the fall and beyond, in the context of holding experts' meetings, a future-oriented statement will be drafted while continuing to succeed the current statement. I believe the statement will be drafted as we listen to the experts' variety of opinions.

REPORTER: According to news reports, the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) will soon order the suspension of the operation of Monju (fast-breeder reactor) and the reason is that inspections of nearly 10,000 pieces of equipment had been neglected. Can you please explain your views?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In around November of last year I believe, it came to light that inspections of numerous pieces of equipment at Monju had not been conducted according to plan and that these violations of the law took place. NRA has continuously carried out investigations. With nuclear power, safety is a top priority. In this context, I believe it is natural that in the face of various criticisms, rigorous measures are taken vis-?-vis the facts. At this time, I am not aware of any decisions made with regard to the punishment. I understand that in the near future, NRA will compile a report based on its investigation findings.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Regarding the Prime Minister's overseas visits, it is reported that the Prime Minister will visit Poland before the G8 summit in the United Kingdom on the 17th and 18th of next month. What is the status of the considerations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The visit for the G8 summit is already decided, but nothing has yet been decided regarding your question. In any case, there is also the Diet and other factors which need to be taken into consideration. I am not sure why such an article was published.

REPORTER: With regard to the foreign exchange market, the yen fell to the level of 102 yen to the dollar temporarily. Can you share your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that at the G7 meeting over the weekend and at the G7 meeting in February, the Japanese side offered a thorough explanation and obtained understanding regarding the Government's goals to revitalize the Japanese economy and overcome deflation - this so-called Abenomics. In this context, I would like to refrain from making comments regarding the exchange rate level. In any case, it is my hope that the Japanese economy overcomes the prolonged deflation, is fully revitalized, and drives the world economy.

(Abridged)