Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• An overview of the Cabinet meeting
• Firstly I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet Meeting.

The meeting approved 12 general and other measures and the promulgation of legislation, as well as cabinet orders and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, Minister Mori made a statement concerning the Annual Report on Comprehensive Measures to Prevent Suicide, and the White Paper on Children and Young People; the Minister of Justice made a statement concerning FY 2012 Measures for Human Rights Education and Enlightenment; I made a statement concerning the return of Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako to Japan, and the cancellation of Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko's trip to Turkey; Minister Yamamoto made a statement concerning the international conference to be co-hosted by the Science Council of Japan in FY 2014; and I made another statement concerning acting Ministers while Ministers in charge are away on an overseas visit.

That is all I from me.

Q&As

• The G8 Summit and Abenomics
• The Japan-Russia Summit Meeting

REPORTER: I believe that the Prime Minister explained Abenomics at the G8 Summit where it was well received. On the other hand there were concerns that it may be a means of depreciating the yen on the foreign exchange market. What are your thoughts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that the G8 communiqu? concerning the global economy approved of the three prongs of Japan's economic and financial policies under Abenomics, but it also pointed out the need for Japan to develop a medium-term fiscal plan. We are determined to put into action the measures outlined in the growth strategy and its basic policies, and strive to achieve both economic revitalization and fiscal soundness in order to contribute to the global economy. I have been informed that these efforts were highly approved by the G8.

REPORTER: The Japan-Russia Summit Meeting was held earlier today and I understand that it was decided that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov (Ok), is to visit Japan this autumn. On the other hand, talks involving Vice-Ministers have yet to be fixed. Could you share with us the Government's thoughts on the outcome of today's Japan-Russia Summit Meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: After the series of talks were complete, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato phoned me to report on the discussions. I was given a report on each summit meeting and I was informed that the Japan-Russia Summit Meeting proceeded in a very positive manner. The decision for Minister of Foreign Affairs Lavrov to visit Japan is a very forward-looking  and significant development.

I was also informed that as per the agreements of the previous summit meeting, today's summit meeting confirmed that the two countries are to hold talks involving Vice-Ministers. I believe that a specific schedule for the meeting will be arranged via diplomatic routes.

Both Japan and Russia share the opinion that talks involving vice-ministers should be held in order to restart and accelerate Peace Treaty negotiations. Therefore I do not believe that your criticism is fair.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Please allow me to return to the topic of the G8. You have provided us with a summary of the joint statement but you have not responded to concerns raised by some countries that the Japanese policies are a means of depreciating the yen. Do you have a rebuttal for these concerns?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We understand that the G8 on the whole has approved Japan's policies. I think that it is only natural that there are various opinions raised in discussions, but our understanding is that ultimately the G8 has shown understanding for and approved of Japan's Abenomics.

(Abridged)