Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Supreme Court' s ruling regarding inheritance discrimination against children born outside of wedlock
• Japan-China relations

REPORTER: The Supreme Court ruled for the first time that inheritance discrimination against children born outside of wedlock is unconstitutional. Am I right to understand that this means that the Civil Code will be amended?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As you said, I am aware that it was ruled today that the first half of the proviso of paragraph 4 of Article 900 of the Civil Code is unconstitutional. I understand that this decision made by the Supreme Court, which has the right to determine the constitutionality of legislation, must be taken seriously. As the Government, we will scrutinize the decision made by the Supreme Court and take any necessary action.

REPORTER: Please allow me to ask another question on this topic. I believe that the Government will be expected to amend the Civil Code clause, so am I right to understand that the Government will conduct discussions on the amendment itself?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that this is something we must discuss after reviewing the decision made by the Supreme Court to determine the necessity of legislative changes while duly respecting the spirit of the court's ruling.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning Japan-China relations. I understand that Mr. Wang Jiarui, the Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China suddenly canceled this afternoon's meeting with officials from New Komeito who are currently visiting China. What are your thoughts on the current difficult situation in which Japan-China talks are not progressing smoothly, including the difficulties you are having in arranging talks at the G20 Summit in Russia?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not have any knowledge of the group of New Komeito officials visiting China. However, the Abe Government always keeps its door open to dialogue with China and believes that our mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests is extremely important. We have not changed our belief that China is one of our most important neighbors and is a country vital to the peace and stability of Japan, Asia, the Far East, and the rest of the world.