Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
• Republic of Korea's (ROK) total ban on the import of seafood from Japan
• Japan-China Relations

REPORTER: I understand that internal party discussions over the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will begin today. Given that there is still strong opposition against the removal of tariffs on the five sensitive items, it is anticipated that discussions will be heated. Could you share with us your outlook on these discussions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Many countries, not just Japan, are struggling with the difficult political issues that TPP poses. In light of this, all of the nations are expected to make efforts to reach a comprehensive and high-level agreement while taking into consideration the sensitive items of each country. This is how we are approaching negotiations, and as the Prime Minister has said on many occasions, the Government recognizes the importance of agriculture, and will protect those areas that should be protected and seek to gain what should be gained. This is the basic stance of the Government. We will keep a close eye on the  examinations process at the ruling party and other related matters, and work together thoroughly and as one with the ruling parties.

REPORTER: Please allow me to ask another question on the same topic. Do you have any plans to exchange views with officials like the Secretary-General or Mr. Nishikawa, who has recently returned to Japan, on how you settle the internal party discussions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that it is natural to report and discuss within the party including the chairperson of the TPP Committee Mr. Nishikawa regarding the negotiation. I think it is healthy to have different opinions within the party.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In relation to the Republic of Korea's (ROK) total ban on the import of seafood from Japan following the leakage of contaminated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, some media have reported that the ROK Government has suggested that it will lift the ban. Could you please share with us the facts regarding the issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan has, on a number of occasions, provided explanations and information on this issue, and has continued to urge the ROK Government to lift the ban as soon as possible based on the scientific evidence. I am aware of the media report and the Japanese Government is currently communicating that our stance is to urge the ROK Government to lift the ban as soon as possible based on the scientific evidence.

REPORTER: Please allow me to ask another question on the same topic. Has the ROK Government given any official response or explanation for their actions in response to the Japanese Government's requests?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Currently Japan is strongly urging the ROK Government to lift the ban.

REPORTER: I have a further question on the same topic. The media report said that Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ROK Yun Byung-se informed Japan during the Foreign Ministers' Meeting that the ROK Government will lift the ban after public concern has subsided. Is there any truth to this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from commenting on this diplomatic matter. This was something discussed at a meeting of foreign ministers. However, as I just said, Japan is urging the ROK Government to make a response to this issue based on the scientific evidence.

REPORTER: Please allow me to ask another question on the same topic. While Japan has presented the scientific evidence, the media report says that the ROK Government has asked Japan to relieve the public concern in the ROK. Do you have any intention of undertaking initiatives to, for example, conduct a joint investigation with international organizations and present more evidence that assures safety in order to enhance the objectivity of Japan's claims?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan is currently urging the ROK Government to make a decision based on the scientific evidence and withdraw its ban as soon as possible. This is how we are addressing this issue at the moment. Looking at the bigger picture, I think that it is important to present evidence in cooperation with international organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

REPORTER: Am I then correct to understand that the Japanese Government is exploring the possibility of conducting a joint investigation with an organization such as the IAEA and presenting further evidence to the ROK Government to gain its understanding?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No, that is not correct. Japan has presented scientific evidence and is urging the ROK Government to lift its current measures as soon as possible. However, we are exploring the possibility of a joint investigation from a broader perspective, not specifically for the issue of the ROK.

REPORTER: I have another question on the same topic. During the deliberations of the Committee on Economy and Industry of the House of Councillors held while the Diet is out of session, Nuclear Regulation Authority Chairperson Tanaka stated that he is exploring the possibility of conducting the investigation of the surrounding sea water with overseas specialists. Would that include countries and regions such as the ROK and Southeast Asia as well as the IAEA?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In essence, the IAEA is an international organization so I believe that, in principle, an organization like that should act as the focal point. Regardless, I believe that it is imperative that through those initiatives, Japan steadily provides transparent and easy to understand information to the international community.

REPORTER: It has been reported that prior to the Summit Meeting held in Brunei, the Chinese Government asked the Japanese Government to refrain from making contact with the Chinese leader. Could you tell us the facts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have heard nothing like that at all.

(Abridged)