Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• Special tours of the Prime Minister's Office and Official Residence during the students' summer breaks

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have an announcement regarding special tours of the Prime Minister's Office and the Prime Minister's Official Residence for fifth and sixth grade elementary school children and junior high school students. As part of the effort to close the distance between the Government and the people, aiming to achieve an open administration, children and students in elementary and junior high schools participated in special tours of the Prime Minister's Office and Official Residence in March and April. Continuing with this effort, we hope to conduct special tours also in August during the students' summer breaks. Application details are available on the website of the Prime Minister's Office.

Q&As

• The U.S.-China summit meeting
• Stock prices
• The Growth Strategy

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the U.S.-China summit meeting. I understand that during the U.S.-China summit meeting, with regard to the Senkaku Islands, on the subject of the territorial issue, Mr. Obama commented that Japan and China should have conversations through diplomatic channels and not through actions. There seems to be a discrepancy between the Japanese Government's stance that there is no territorial dispute and the U.S. stance that the parties should have conversations through diplomatic channels. What are the thoughts of the Japanese Government in this regard?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe there is no discrepancy at all. The United States has consistently mentioned conversations. However, we have stated that there is no territorial dispute with regard to the Senkaku Islands based upon law and in light of historical facts. In particular, the San Francisco Peace Treaty defined the territory of Japan. The U.S. has also acknowledged this on that occasion. Therefore, I believe there should not be any discrepancy.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: During the summit meeting, the U.S. agreed to provide information regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) to China. What are your views regarding this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that there were such news reports. China has stated from before that it takes an open stance towards the TPP. However, generally speaking, the TPP agreement is an agreement which is open to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members and to all countries in the region. If any country expresses its readiness to meet the high standards required by the TPP and officially announces its participation, then the countries participating in the TPP negotiations will make their respective decisions. That was the case for Japan. As Japan still has not joined the TPP, I believe it is better that we refrain from making comments.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Today, stock prices rebounded strongly, up by more than 600 points when the market closed. You have stated from before that the stock market is in an adjustment phase. Do you see signs that the adjustments are nearing their end?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have stated repeatedly, the Government does not waver between hope and despair over stock prices. However, as the real economy is improving and the economic outlook is also improving, we are confident about the economy. At the same time, we will take the actions that should be taken now, centering on the three prongs or "arrows," for reviving the Japanese economy one step at a time, steadily, and with a sense of urgency.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the Abe administration's basic stance concerning the Growth Strategy. By June 14, the Growth Strategy will be approved by a Cabinet decision. This will be the first set. And the Prime Minister stated that there will be a second set in the fall. So instead of having just one Growth Strategy, which is the third arrow of the so-called three arrows, you will continue to "create arrows" - in other words, if possible, you will continue to lodge the second, third, fourth, and fifth arrows of the Growth Strategy, correct? Is this part of your effort to carry out economic measures seamlessly?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The administration has explained about the three arrows to everyone. I believe the first arrow and second arrow have been completed. And with regard to the third arrow, I believe announcing our participation in the TPP constituted a major arrow within the Growth Strategy. Regarding necessary measures, I believe that these are not matters of the first arrow or the second arrow but that where necessary, strategies should be presented while pursuing all available options. Rather than sticking to fixed concepts as before, we would like to take flexible responses.

(Abridged)