Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The system for the recognition of atomic bomb diseases
• Discussions concerning the right to collective self-defense
• Yasukuni Shrine
• The Ospry aircraft
• The U.S. Department of State's alert about the potential for terrorist attacks

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Prime Minister Abe is scheduled to visit Hiroshima from today and there have been some press reports that suggest he will announce a Government policy concerning the system for the recognition of atomic bomb diseases that will seek to actively grant such recognition. Could you tell us of the facts behind these press reports?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the press reports that you have mentioned, but I would like to refrain from making any comment about the statements the Prime Minister will make at the peace memorial ceremonies in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I am not aware that the press reports are actually based in fact. In any case, this issue is being discussed by the Study Group on Certification of Atomic Bomb Sickness, which is established under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the Government would like to continue to monitor the direction of discussions in that group.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning a discussion that took place over the weekend concerning the right to collective self-defense. In a television program on NHK over the weekend, Minister of Defense Onodera noted that he would like for the National Defense Program Guidelines to be compiled in such a way as to reflect recommendations concerning the right to collective self-defense. Making such a statement would imply that in order for this issue to be reflected in the National Defense Program Guidelines it would be necessary for the Abe administration to come to a conclusion regarding the right to collective self-defense by the end of the year. Is that the sort of schedule the Government is currently considering?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to the right to collective self-defense, the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security is currently engaged in discussions from the perspective of what measures are required to protect the people of Japan at a time when the security environment surrounding Japan has changed greatly. In order that the public may fully understand these discussions, they should be dealt with not in terms of abstract concepts, but by addressing specific issues. In the process of this discussion it will also be necessary for the Government to make efforts to gain the understanding of our coalition partner the New Komeito, although specific measures and when they will be addressed is something that has yet to be decided.

REPORTER: A member of the Cabinet, the Minister of Defense, has expressed a desire to reflect the issue of the right to collective self-defense in the National Defense Program Guidelines, which are scheduled to be drawn up by the end of the year. Has this point not yet been addressed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have stated, the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security is currently engaged in discussions and upon receiving a report from the panel the Government will make an appropriate response concerning procedures on this matter.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: With regard to visits to Yasukuni Shrine by Cabinet members, Minister of State for Regulatory Reform Inada has stated that she is considering a visit to the shrine on August 15. Did she consult with the Prime Minister's Office prior to making this statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have said before, I believe that no matter what country you are from, we all share a desire to clasp our hands together to pray for the repose of the souls of those who sacrificed their precious lives in battle for their country and express our respects. Also, whether ministers choose to worship at the shrine in a private capacity is not something that the Prime Minister's Office can issue instructions on. It is the basic stance of the Abe Cabinet that the Government will refrain from commenting on whether or not Cabinet ministers should visit Yasukuni Shrine. Therefore, in view of what I have just said, it is inconceivable that the Prime Minister's Office would pre-approve a statement by a minister.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Additional deployment of MV-22 Osprey aircraft of the U.S. Forces has begun at Futenma Air Station in Okinawa, which is being implemented in the face of local opposition. What is the Government's reaction to this deployment?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I recognize that the deployment of MV-22 Osprey aircraft is viewed sternly by local residents and there are some people who are suggesting that some of Osprey operations are not in observance of the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee agreement. However, I believe that the deployment of the Osprey aircraft is of very great significance for Japan's national security. A prerequisite for the operation of the aircraft, however, is that maximum measures be taken to consider the impact flights may have on the daily life of local residents. As we move forward the Government will continue to engage in the necessary discussions with the U.S. side in the forum of the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee concerning appropriate implementation, and further efforts will be made to seek the understanding of local residents. In addition, the Government seeks to make efforts to ensure that an early conclusion can be reached on flight training exercises, which are currently concentrated in Okinawa and represent a large burden, enabling these exercises to be implemented in locations other than Okinawa and thereby alleviate the burden.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: On a terrorism-related issue, the United States Department of State has issued a Worldwide Travel Alert to all U.S. citizens, concerning the continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO) has issued a global security alert, advising member countries to increase their vigilance. Could I ask what response the Government is making to these developments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Following the announcement made by the United States Department of State, the Government of Japan issued a wide area alert on August 2 and 3, to Japanese nationals traveling or residing overseas. In addition, all diplomatic missions overseas have been issued with instructions to alert Japanese nationals and gather information. However, as the alert issued by the Department of State does not specifically target Japanese nationals, at the current point there are no plans to temporarily close any of Japan's overseas diplomatic missions. The Government will continue to make a response, maintaining close cooperation with the United States.

REPORTER: On a related note, has the Government received any information from the United States Government concerning what specific sectors or areas are thought to be at risk of terrorist attack at this time?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Due to the nature of the matter I would like to refrain from making any specific comment. However, at the very least, the Government understands that the current threat is not directed at Japanese nationals. We are making a response based on that information.