Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Atomic bomb disease
• The clash of the U.S. Forces helicopter in Okinawa
• Japan-Russia relations
• The appointment of a female police officer for the post of the Chief of the Iwate Prefectural Police

REPORTER: I have a question regarding atomic bomb disease. I understand that the Government will not appeal the ruling of the Osaka District Court, which recognized all eight people as having an atomic bomb disease on the 2nd of this month. May I ask what the reason was for this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have asked the relevant ministries and agencies to work quickly to review this matter, including whether or not to appeal.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a related question. Based on what you have just said, does this mean that the Government's conclusion will essentially depend on the consultations of the relevant ministries and agencies and, for example, it is unlikely that the Prime Minister will be giving any top-down remarks?   

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe information on the status of the consultations of the review meetings is also being relayed to the Prime Minister.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the accident involving the helicopter of the U.S. Forces. The accident occurred on Monday of this week. It is now Friday, the fifth day since the accident. Have you received any explanation from the U.S. regarding the cause of the accident or any other information?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Not yet. However, as the Government has strongly requested that the U.S. Forces uncover the cause of the accident and take measures to prevent a recurrence, I believe the U.S. will provide a response to the Government in some form or another.

REPORTER: In terms of the date by which this will happen, has the Japanese Government said anything to the U.S.?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The direction or conclusion, that is, at the point in time at which the cause of the accidence becomes clear, we believe the U.S. Forces will naturally provide a report to the Government. The Government has strongly requested that the U.S. Forces not fly the helicopter while the cause of the accident remains unknown.

REPORTER: I understand that today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Japan-Russia deputy minister-level consultations will be held on the 19th. What do you expect from the consultations? Or what do you think should be discussed during the consultations?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that during the upcoming consultations, the two sides will discuss the overall Japan-Russia bilateral relationship, including the issue of the conclusion of the peace treaty, as well as the various ongoing international issues.

REPORTER: Regarding this matter, when you say "various international issues," does this include, for example, the U.S.-Russia issue over Mr. Snowden?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Due to the nature of this matter, I would like to refrain from commenting. I believe the two sides will discuss energy and a variety of other issues.

REPORTER: Director for International Investigative Operations Toshie Tanaka has been appointed as the Chief of the Iwate Prefectural Police, making her the first female prefectural police chief. I believe there is a strong idea that the police is a so-called "man's world." Was this personnel decision also part of the active recruitment of women set forth by the Abe administration?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We understand that even leading up to now, the police have been recruiting personnel according to their skills and performance. In particular, we understand that the police have been making efforts to expand the hiring and recruitment of outstanding female police officers. With regard to the latest personnel reshuffle, I believe the National Public Safety Commission judged that this female police officer was appropriate for the post of police chief from the standpoint of placing the right person in the right position. The Government deems that promoting the active engagement of women is a critical issue, and the entire Cabinet will continue to take steps to promote the active participation of women.