Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The safety assessment for Unit 6 and 7 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station of TEPCO.
• The possibility of appointment of women to liaise with the US in relation with Ms. Kennedy's assumption of the U.S. Ambassador to Japan
• The special intelligence protection bill

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Please allow me to ask a question concerning the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station. During the press conference following the Cabinet meeting, Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization Amari stated in relation to the Governor of Niigata Prefecture granting approval for the submission of an application for safety assessment for Units 6 and 7 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), that he welcomes this development for its positive impact on nuclear power safety, the local economy of Niigata and stable electricity supply. Do you share a similar opinion?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is my understanding that the Governor gave approval for submission of the application and I believe that the Nuclear Regulation Authority will thoroughly assess the safety of the reactors. I firmly believe that safety should come first when dealing with issues such as this.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Ms. Caroline Kennedy is expected to assume the role of U.S. Ambassador to Japan and I have been informed that the U.S. Embassy will appoint women to roles such as Political Minister-Counselor and Press Secretary. Prime Minister Abe recently said during his address at the United Nations that Japan will tap into the power of women. Does the Government intend to utilize women as a means of liaising with the U.S?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are yet to discuss anything specific, however if Ms. Caroline Kennedy does become Ambassador to Japan, I believe women will be appointed to positions related to communications with the Ambassador as much as possible. I believe that it is natural to consider such things. I welcome the U.S. Embassy's decision to appoint women to positions such as Political Minister-Counselor and Press Secretary at the Embassy.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In relation to the special intelligence protection bill, Minister Mori , said during today's press conference that the Government is currently discussing the bill with the possibility of making a stipulation in relation to the public's right to access information.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Pardon?

REPORTER: Minister Mori stated that the Government is currently discussing the bill with the possibility of making a stipulation in relation to the public's right to access information. During this morning's press conference, you stated that further discussions must take place. I am seeking clarification, but am I right to understand that you are currently working on the bill with the goal of setting forth such stipulations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that we will consider it through discussion e with the ruling parties.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Returning to a question that I asked earlier, so Minister Amari is welcoming the move by TEPCO?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Pardon?

REPORTER: The Minister said that he welcomes TEPCO's move to submit the application. I would like to know if you are sure that the disposition of the Government will not affect the safety assessment by the Nuclear Regulation Authority.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am certain that it will have no effect. I believe that what I said earlier also touched on this, but the safety of the nuclear power plant will only be revealed after the application has been submitted. The Nuclear Regulation Authority is indeed a commission with Article 3 Authority, is independent and sets its own safety standards and therefore the final assessment will be made against those standards.