Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The measures for Fukushima Nuclear Power Station accident
• Typhoon No.24
• The method to circulate five trillion yen to offset the negative impact from the consumption tax hike

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning measures for the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station accident. Some members of the party have been calling for the development of Act on Special Measures, the splitting up of TEPCO, and changes in the existing plan, including the establishment of an agency specifically for the decommissioning of the nuclear reactors, in order to facilitate more fundamental action in addressing the issues of contaminated water, nuclear reactor decommissioning, and decontamination. Could you once again share with us the Government's view on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It has been two years and seven months since the accident. I understand that these views have emerged as we have addressed a number of these issues, including the issue of contaminated water, and while we have debated the adequacy of the current response as a party. Regardless, we understand that at this moment it is absolutely imperative that we give everything we have in addressing the issue of the contaminated water. In light of this, I naturally believe that it is important to collaborate with opinions of party members.

REPORTER: Do you have any intention of first focusing resources on addressing the issue of contaminated water but at the same time changing the existing plan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, we believe that for the meantime we must address the issue of contaminated water, our greatest concern, with all our strength. If the members of the party have expressed such desires or views while gaining a better understanding of the whole picture, I would like to hear more about their views and would like to collaborate with them firmly.

REPORTER: As Typhoon No. 27 approaches, Minister of State for Disaster Management Furuya held an emergency press conference this afternoon at the Diet building. I understand that was quite an unusual calling for a proactive evacuation, but could you tell us the objectives of doing so and the trigger of this emergency press conference?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that Mr. Furuya in his position of Minister of State for Disaster Management felt strongly about not adding to a toll any more. At the same time, given that the heavy rainfall we have experienced so far this year has been unlike any rains we have had in the past, I believe that Minister Furuya felt strongly about communicating to the public the importance of remaining alert. I understand that Minister Furuya said a few times not to let the thought of a weaker than expected typhoon discourage you from evacuating. I can understand why Minister Furuya decided to have the press conference; he wanted to communicate that this year's heavy rain has been unlike any rainfall we experienced so far.

REPORTER: While this call for evacuation may end up not being necessary, I believe that it is important that leaders of the country are able to call for the public to evacuate without the restraint of regulations or custom. Does the Government intend to proactively take the initiative like this in the future in response to potential disasters and other threats?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that it will be dependent on the decisions of the leaders responsible for the situation. However, I think that it is appropriate for Ministers to make such decisions at their discretion depending on the situation.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: During the meeting of the Budget Committee of the House of Councillors held earlier today, in relation to how the value of the five trillion yen to offset the negative impact from the consumption tax hike was determined, Minister Aso commented that it was calculated by doubling the expected two trillion yen decrease in demand then adding an extra trillion. Could you confirm the facts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that is what Mr. Aso said as far as his comments are concerned. However, I understand that Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization Amari later spoke about the figure of five trillion by referring to the perspective of ensuring that growth is maintained. I believe that what the two ministers said were the same but were just phrased differently.

REPORTER: Am I then right to assume that the five trillion yen figure was not chosen just for psychological impact alone?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not believe it was chosen for its psychological impact. There were appropriate reasons; the figure was determined in an extremely orthodox manner as we tried to determine how much we needed in order to make up for the expected two trillion yen decrease while also maintaining the economic growth that the Abe Cabinet is striving for.