Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
• The verdict of Kyoto District Court regarding hate speech
• The cooperation with IAEA with inclusion of Asian countries on marine monitoring in relation with Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

REPORTER: In relation to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General Ishiba stated that among the five sensitive items, which can be broken down into 586 items, the LDP would review any items that may need to be included in negotiations. Given that the party has demonstrated this attitude, will the Government proceed with negotiations with a similar philosophy?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated during this morning's press conference, the Government will proceed with negotiations in close cooperation with the party.

REPORTER: Please allow me to clarify; in relation to the question raised a moment ago, I believe that the comments by Secretary-General Ishiba indicate that he showed understanding of the need for a review of the 586 items, but am I right to understand that you also believe that if some of the 586 items are included in negotiations, which will result in over 93.5% of items being tariff-free, the Government will naturally need to hold discussions for the sake of transparency?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that Minister Amari held a press conference in Indonesia and I believe that, naturally, the Government will conduct TPP negotiations with the cooperation of the party.

REPORTER: In relation to hate speech, the Kyoto District Court today ruled in favor of Chosen Gakuen and against Zaitokukai, a group of anti-Korean activists after the group disrupted classes by conducting rallies during which they repeatedly made discriminatory statements, or hate speech, around a North Korean school in Kyoto. The court ruling stated that the actions taken by Zaitokukai were illegal on the grounds that they constituted racial discrimination under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Could you share with us your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of this verdict. However, I must refrain from commenting on civil court cases and the decision handed down. Nevertheless, I have extreme concern for the recent growing prevalence of discriminatory remarks and hate speech, and the disruption of business, schools, events and other functions. I recognize that it is extremely important that relevant organizations handle appropriately based on the law so as to ensure that this kind behavior does not continue to occur.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on the same topic. You just mentioned handling based on the relevant laws, but does the Government intend to explore the development of some form of new laws and regulations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government will maintain interest in the subject so that we can address the matter appropriately.

REPORTER: During the deliberations held earlier today while the Diet is out of session, Chairman of the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), Shunichi Tanaka, stated that considering the intentions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he would like to proceed with the marine survey in relation to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station with the participation of relevant Asian nations. Could you share with us the thoughts of the Government on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that Chairman Tanaka did indeed make this statement. I understand that the NRA has been discussing the cooperation with the IAEA in relation to marine monitoring and how to proceed. If that is the decision being made, although the involvement of other Asian countries has as yet not been confirmed, I think it is a positive move. Regardless, I believe that it is extremely important that we provide clear information to other countries.

(Abridged)