Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• The overview of the Cabinet meeting
• Prime Minister's Policy Speech
• Comprehensive and intensive promotion of intelligence protection within the Government

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet Meeting. The meeting approved three general measures as well as cabinet orders and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, Minister Nemoto made a statement concerning the basic policy for advancing the support of daily lives and other measures for those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Minister for Foreign Affairs made a statement concerning Emergency Grant Aid to the Philippines in response to the evacuees from the armed conflict in Mindanao.

Next, we discussed the Prime Minister's Policy Speech. However, we are not yet at a stage at which we can disclose the details of the speech, therefore I would like to refrain from sharing the details with you today.

Today's Cabinet meeting approved the comprehensive and intensive promotion of intelligence protection within the Government. At the same time, Senior Vice Minister of Cabinet Office Okada and Parliamentary Secretary of Cabinet Office Fukuoka were asked to assist Minister Mori, who is responsible for this matter, in developing a legal framework for intelligence protection.

Q&As

• The Ministerial Meeting on Okinawa and related issues
• The situation in North Korea
• The Prime Minister's address at the opening ceremony of Diplomatic Conference for the Minamata Convention on Mercury
• The joint statement on the abolition of nuclear weapon
• The Trans-Pacific Partnership
• The Annual Autumn Festival of Yasukuni Shrine
• The National Strategic Zone

REPORTER: I believe that a Ministerial Meeting on Okinawa was held this morning prior to the Cabinet Meeting. Could you share with us what was discussed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Following the "Two-plus-Two" Meeting, both the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense visited Okinawa. While in Okinawa they held talks with the Governor and other senior officials of Okinawa Prefecture. During today's ministerial meeting, ministers responsible for Okinawa affairs exchanged views on the aforementioned talks and other items.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on a related topic. I believe that the main point of contention was the comments made by the Governor in relation to Futenma Air Station, or the return of its land. I understand that the Government is hoping to make this happen as early as the end of the year, but could you share with us your view on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: What specifically is your question?

REPORTER: I was asking about the approval of the Governor in relation to the relocation of Futenma Air Station.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Approval?

REPORTER: Yes.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, the Government will provide clear explanations on the various situations to ensure understanding.

REPORTER: Please allow me to ask another question on this topic. The Nago City mayoral election to be held in January next year has been attracting attention due to this issue. I believe that one of the focal points is whether the parties will back a supporter of the relocation to Henoko as a joint candidate. Could you tell us if views were exchanged in relation to this? Could you also tell us how the Government sees this election in terms of the order of events, by which I mean, will the Government first seek to gain the approval of the Governor before the end of the year?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that the party headquarters is presently leading to arrange the fielding of candidates for the election.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the situation in North Korea. I understand that the Republic of Korea has presented its analysis that indicates North Korea restarted its nuclear reactor around August. What information does the Japanese Government have in relation to this and what are the Government's thoughts on the issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Japanese Government has obtained a variety of information. However, due to the nature of the issue, I must refrain from commenting.

REPORTER: Japan, the U.S. and the Republic of Korea have been conducting joint exercises since October 10. North Korea has commented in relation to these exercises that they will result in a "horrible disaster." Could you share with us the Japanese Government's views on this comment?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that North Korea made these statements. The Government always takes all possible measures to ensure that the lives, property and safety of citizens are well protected.

REPORTER: Please allow me to change the topic. The Diplomatic Conference held in Kumamoto City yesterday adopted the Minamata Convention on Mercury. I have a question concerning this. During the Prime Minister's address at the opening ceremony, he said words that Japan has recovered from the damage inflicted by mercury pollution. Could you confirm that the Government now considers that Japan has already recovered from the issues?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I truly hope that you understand that the Prime Minister's comments were made based on the fact that Japan has significantly reduced its mercury risks in the aftermath of the outbreak of Minamata disease, and the fact that the people of Minamata themselves have taken independent measures in order to become an advanced region in terms of environmental issues. The Prime Minister also commented, "I extend my sincere condolences to all those who have lost their lives due to illnesses caused by mercury. My heart also goes out to those who are still fighting these illnesses." In any case, this demonstrates that the Government does not believe that Minamata Disease is an issue of the past. Moving forward, the Government will make every effort to resolve this issue so that citizens of Minamata will be able to live worry-free lives.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The United Nations and other organizations are currently making arrangements to develop a joint statement on the abolition of nuclear weapons. It has been reported in the media that Japan will sign the joint statement although it has previously not signed similar statements citing the security environment and other reasons. Could you please share with us the facts regarding these reports, and how the Government is planning to proceed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are currently making final arrangements on this issue and as of now, nothing has been finalized.

REPORTER: Please allow me to ask another question on the same topic. Japan did not sign the joint statement announced at the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty conference held in April this year. Is there any possibility that the Japanese Government will change its policy of not signing these statements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The joint statement made back in April included expressions that conflict with our nation's security policy. This is why Japan did not support the statement in the end, and Japan has since been requesting that changes be made. Therefore, I believe that we will base our final decision on this factor.

REPORTER: Please allow me to ask another question on this topic. I believe that the Japanese Government was requesting, back in April, that the phrase in the joint statement, "under any circumstances," be removed. Am I right to understand that this particular phrase is again the main stumbling block?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The abolition of nuclear weapons is a hope shared across the humankind and the Japanese Government has been petitioning the United Nations to ensure that no misleading statements are included. The Japanese Government is currently making final arrangements in light of this outlook.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). I believe that the joint working group meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) held yesterday confirmed that they will assess the five sensitive items. The LDP's campaign pledge announced during the lead up to the House of Councillors election stated that the party would make the most of its bargaining power and pursue the path that best served national interests by protecting those areas that should be protected and seeking to gain what should be gained. On the other hand, the LDP policy list stated that the party will secure sanctuary for the five sensitive items of the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry. These two statements differ in terms of terminology, but am I right to understand that the LDP's campaign pledge is not necessarily to secure sanctuary for all 586 tariff lines listed under the five sensitive items?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The LDP did indeed state that in its campaign pledge in the lead up to the House of Councillors election.  The negotiations will soon go into full-swing and the Government will proceed with negotiations guided by the Government's policy to protect those areas that should be protected and seek to gain what should be gained. The party is currently examining the matter and therefore the Government will earnestly engage in negotiations in close cooperation with the party while keeping a close eye on the party's examining process.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the Yasukuni Shrine. Could you tell us the view regarding whether the Prime Minister will visit the shrine next week during the Shuki Reitaisai (Annual Autumn Festival)? Is it still the Government's policy for the decision to visit the shrine to be left to the individual Cabinet members?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Whether the Prime Minister will visit the shrine or not is a personal matter so I must refrain from commenting in my position as a Government representative. I believe that no matter what country you are from, it is natural that we all join our hands in prayers for the repose of the souls of those who sacrificed their lives for their country and express our respects. The policy of the Abe Cabinet is that the decision to visit the shrine should be made in a private capacity and be the personal decision of each individual Cabinet member.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In relation to the bill on the National Strategic Special Zone, I believe that the working group intends to include the relaxation of employment regulations within the bill. The relaxation of employment regulations has stirred up a great deal of debate. Could you share with us the Government's view on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that in relation to the National Strategic Special Zone, the establishment of special provisions for limited term employment of employees with special qualifications, such as solicitors and employees who have completed graduate school degrees, among others, and clearer employment termination regulations within the zone have been proposed in order to allow multi-national and new start-up companies to recruit highly talented staff. In relation to the submission of the bill to the extraordinary Diet session, Minister Shindo and Minister Amari, who are in charge of this matter, in addition to myself, will work together and make every effort to produce results.