Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The proposal concerning Osprey aircraft exercises in Osaka Prefecture
• The Nikkei Stock Average and the growth strategy

REPORTER: I believe that you recently held a meeting with Governor of Osaka Ichiro Matsui, Mayor of Osaka Toru Hashimoto, and Leader of Seito Sozo (Political Group of Okinawa Revolution) Mikio Shimoji. Could you tell us if the Prime Minister attended the meeting and what themes were discussed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Initially a request was received seeking a meeting with me, and accordingly I met with Mr. Hashimoto, Mr. Matsui and Mr. Shimoji today. The content of the meeting concerned an offer from Osaka Prefecture to host MV-22 Osprey aircraft exercises, and the three had come to inform the Government of the readiness of Osaka Prefecture to host exercises and inquire whether this would be possible or not. With regard to a location where such exercises may be possible, it appears that the governor himself lives nearby and he is seeking to engage in efforts to persuade local residents. This was the content of the meeting, after which a meeting was also held with the Prime Minister, which covered the same matters.

REPORTER: According to a press briefing by the three other participants, you responded that you would consider the proposal. Can you confirm that you stated that you would consider the proposal?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes, that is what I said. Given that the Japan Restoration Party and Seito Sozo have signed a policy accord concerning the relocation of Futenma Air Station to Henoko, it has also been agreed between these two parties that test flights and exercises of the Osprey aircraft should be accepted on the Japanese mainland and that Osaka Prefecture is willing to provide a location for such exercises.

REPORTER: So the location would be somewhere other than the main island of Okinawa Prefecture?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes, that is the case. Until now there have not been any local governments on the Japanese mainland that have indicated a willingness to accept flight exercises in their areas. Given the proposed relocation of Futenma Air Station to Henoko, Osaka Prefecture believes that efforts should also be made to relieve the burden of bases on Okinawa by conducting exercises on the Japanese mainland and it is requesting that the Government first consider the feasibility of such exercises taking place in Osaka Prefecture. It was against this background that I stated that I would give consideration to the proposal and the governor indicated that he would take a central role in persuading the local residents. Whatever the case, today was the first time for this proposal to be discussed and therefore I would like to refrain from commenting on any specific aspects. However, I believe that the concept of sharing the burden of bases, which are currently concentrated in Okinawa, through the distribution of exercises to other locations around Japan, is one of tremendous importance. Whatever the case, based on the agreement of the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee in September last year, the Japanese and United States authorities are continuing to examine the possibility of conducting flight exercises in locations in Japan other than Okinawa Prefecture. In that sense I would like to welcome the proposal that has been made today, which seeks to alleviate the burden on the people of Okinawa by distributing it nationwide.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Today the Government has received a request from the Japan Restoration Party, so do you plan on conveying the content of this request to the United States Forces in Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Japanese and United States authorities are examining the possibilities for flight exercises in locations in Japan other than Okinawa Prefecture, and I would be pleased if local governments around the country were to indicate a willingness to accept such exercises.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Does the Government intend to give specific support to the moves being made by Osaka Prefecture?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Rather than referring to support, what I would say is that Japanese and United States authorities are examining the possibility of flight exercises on the Japanese mainland and I believe that the issue of lessening the burden of bases on Okinawa is something that should be given consideration on a nationwide basis. In that sense and speaking frankly, I would like to welcome the proposal that has been made today and the Government would be most appreciative if other local governments could give thought to lessening the burden of bases on Okinawa, which is currently the location of more than 70 percent of the U.S. bases in Japan.

REPORTER: You have just referred to the agreement reached in September last year, and yet, since then there has been little concrete progress on relocation of bases outside of Okinawa. Could you tell us about the current outlook concerning a schedule for relocation and the status of coordination between the Government and U.S. Forces?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Whatever the case, it is based on the agreement reached in September last year that consideration is being given to locations outside Okinawa Prefecture. I would like to limit my comments to saying that thorough examination is being given to this issue. I believe that the issue of alleviating the burden of bases on Okinawa is something that all people in Japan should consider.

REPORTER: Mayor Hashimoto has stated that there has not been any detailed feasibility study implemented with regard to the proposed use of Yao airport. What is the Government's view concerning the feasibility of using Yao airport?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The proposal concerning exercises in Osaka Prefecture was received for the first time today and therefore it must be first examined.

REPORTER: In response to the opposition by the mayor of Yao city, Mayor Hashimoto has stated that the mayor of Yao city should not simply state objections, but should visit Okinawa himself. What is your opinion on this point?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I think that it is only natural for the issue of alleviating the burden of bases currently placed on the people of Okinawa to be considered on a nationwide basis.

REPORTER: The issue of relocating Osprey aircraft exercises is one that the Japanese and United States authorities have been examining for some time. Therefore, in terms of the Government's precise reaction, are we to understand that following the receipt of the proposal to implement exercises at Yao airport, the Japanese and United States governments will add Yao airport as one of the candidate locations for relocating exercises?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all the proposal itself will be given specific consideration.

REPORTER: So are there other options available?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The alleviation of the burden of bases on the people of Okinawa is naturally something that should be considered nationwide, and it is the responsibility of the Government to the people of Okinawa to ensure such consideration is implemented.

REPORTER: On a related note, I believe that the mayor made other requests today, in addition to the issue of the Osprey, concerning the return of all bases south of Kadena, including Camp Kinser, and the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement. What views did you express in the meeting concerning these issues?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I noted that the Government will continue to fulfill its commitments agreed with the United States, while working diligently to realize the return of land south of Kadena, in order to realize the wishes of the people of Okinawa as soon as possible.

REPORTER: What response did you give concerning the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement and what is your own personal view?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I received the written requests in the recent meeting and noted that the Government seeks to make every effort to resolve various issues, taking into consideration the wishes of all the people of Okinawa for a reduction in the burden of bases.

REPORTER: You have mentioned that Mr. Hashimoto and the other members at the meeting indicated that Osaka Prefecture is ready to accept flight exercises, but can you confirm that there was specific mention of Yao?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There was discussion.

REPORTER: Are we to understand that it is only Yao airport that is being proposed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yao airport was specifically mentioned. With regard to the feasibility of using Yao airport, the persons presenting the proposal asked the Government to examine the matter, including liaising with United States Forces, and if it is the case that it would be feasible to implement exercises at Yao the Governor of Osaka Prefecture would then engage in efforts to persuade residents.

REPORTER: Yao airport is in Yao city, so in what capacity did Mr. Hashimoto today engage in talks with the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: He met with me today in his capacity as co-leader of the Japan Restoration Party.

REPORTER: Recently Mr. Hashimoto's statements concerning the "comfort women" and the adult entertainment industry in Okinawa have sparked protest and opposition. Were these issues raised in the meeting today?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No such issues were raised.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Yesterday, while the Prime Minister was making his speech on growth strategy the Nikkei Stock Average dropped, following which there was an announcement of the draft outline of the growth strategy, which is being reported in detail in today's press. Even so, share prices have still not picked up, so does this suggest to you that the markets have not fully understood the significance and essence of the proposed strategy?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We do not engage in politics for the sake of the financial markets. At the very least it can be said that since the inauguration of the Abe administration various policies have been announced, since which share prices have increased by 50 percent, and even now approximately six months after the start of the administration they are 50 percent above what they were. This is something that has never been seen before and therefore the Government will continue to advance its economic policies with confidence.