Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The special intelligence protection bill
• The resignation of President & CEO of Mizuho Bank Yasuhiro Sato from all public posts
• The Japan-United States Status of Forces Agreement
• The debt-ceiling issue of the United States

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the special intelligence protection bill. This morning, Minister Mori expressed her intent to explore the possibility of the establishment of a third-party entity in relation to the bill. Am I right to understand that the Government will discuss in earnest the inclusion of the establishment of a third-party entity within the bill?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that the minister made this statement and I believe that, naturally, we must specify uniform standards. Therefore, I believe that the minister made the comments because she believes that we need to establish objective standards to ensure that decisions are not made arbitrarily.

REPORTER: Am I right to understand that the development of standards that prevent arbitrary decision-making does not necessarily equal the establishment of a third-party entity?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Ministers are able to designate certain information as special intelligence, however I believe that Minister Mori made her comments in the interest of developing a system to facilitate objective decision-making as much as possible.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: President & CEO of Mizuho Bank Yasuhiro Sato held a press conference and announced his intention to resign from all public posts, including stepping down as a private sector member of the Industrial Competitiveness Council, in order to dedicate himself to addressing the issue of bank lending to organized crime groups. During the press conference, he admitted that the details of the transactions were reported to Mizuho management at the time. Could you share with us your thoughts on this issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I have been informed that President Sato offered to resign from his public posts. I believe that, being his own decision, this will be dealt with by the responsible departments. What was your second question?

REPORTER: During the press conference, Mr. Sato admitted that the details of transactions involving organized crime groups were reported to Mizuho management at the time. Could you share with us your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: If the latest report is contradictory to the facts that have been reported to date then this is extremely regrettable. I understand that Mizuho Bank and a third-party committee are currently re-investigating the matter and the Government will ensure that the Financial Services Agency will deal with the investigation results appropriately.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the Japan-United States Status of Forces Agreement. Today Minister for Foreign Affairs Kishida announced that the Japanese and U.S. Governments have agreed to review the implementation of the Status of Forces Agreement concerning crimes committed by U.S. military servicemen and women and civilian military workers in Japan. In Okinawa there have been strong appeals from local residents for the revision of the Status of Forces Agreement. Does the Government intend to work with the U.S. to ensure that a revision takes place?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: While always bearing in mind the requests of local Okinawan residents in relation to the Status of Forces Agreement, the Government has approached the U.S. side in order to facilitate appropriate implementation of the agreement. The reduction of the burden placed on Okinawa by U.S. military bases is an extremely important matter for the Government. As is the case on this occasion, I believe that our initiatives to assert our opinion while bearing in mind the requests of local residents concerning the revision of the Status of Forces Agreement have allowed us to take a step forward.

REPORTER: Am I right to understand that the Governments will review and improve the implementation of the agreement if necessary without actually revising the agreement itself?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: For the items regarding which Okinawan residents have made requests, the Government will, together with the U.S. Government, make steady efforts to put them into action.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on a different topic. It has been reported that via a working-level telephone conference the Japanese Government communicated its concerns to the U.S. Government over the debt-ceiling issue. Could you please inform us of the facts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There was no such telephone conference concerning the debt-ceiling.

REPORTER: Putting that aside, I understand that the Japanese Government has possession of a large amount of U.S. Government bonds. If the situation gets to a point where the U.S. Government is no longer able to issue government bonds, there are concerns that there will be defaults and other implications. What influence do you think this issue will have on the Japanese economy?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I must admit that the U.S. debt issue is a risk factor that will influence the global economy and I therefore expect that the U.S. Congress will come to a resolution as soon as possible.