Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• The overview of the Cabinet meeting

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet approved 13 general measures, cabinet orders, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, I made a statement concerning the itinerary of the visit to India by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. The Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the results of the labor force survey and the results of the household budget survey. The Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare made a statement concerning the effective ratio of job offers to applicants for September 2013. I made a statement concerning acting Ministers while Ministers in charge are away on overseas visits.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, Minister Furuya made a statement concerning the Government's response to Typhoons No. 26 and No. 27. The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology made a statement concerning the Tobitate (Go abroad!) overseas study promotion campaign.

Q&As

• The alleged tapping by the U.S. Intelligence agency
• The costs associated with the decontamination and other matter
• The overseas visit to Sochi
• The visit to India by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the alleged tapping by the U.S. intelligence agency. While an Italian newspaper has reports about tapping involving Chancellor Merkel of Germany, it has been reported that Japan was also a target of tapping of a similar scale as Germany. Are you aware of this report? Also, can you please explain whether the report is true or not?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the report. While this has been reported, the Government would like to refrain from commenting. However, the Government has consistently been taking measures to protect our intelligence, and we will continue to take thorough steps.

REPORTER: If I may confirm, following this report, has the Japanese Government made any inquiries, including with the U.S. Government and the U.S. Embassy?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There are a number of issues involved, and in this context, we are responding to this appropriately.

REPORTER: While I understand that even with regard to Germany these are still just allegations, Germany is nevertheless a U.S. ally. Japan is also an ally and not an enemy. However, amid reports about the possibility of Germany similarly being a target of tapping, has the Japanese Government or does the Japanese Government intend to once again investigate whether tapping has taken place involving, for example, the Prime Minister's mobile phone or your mobile phone? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have no plans to do that at all. We have been taking full measures since the establishment of the Cabinet. Steps are always being taken from day-to-day to ensure that such incidents do not happen.

REPORTER: I believe this question has been asked from several days ago. Was it two days ago, you were asked whether there were no concerns about the Prime Minister's mobile phone being tapped. I believe you flatly denied it. Does your understanding still remained unchanged? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It has not changed at all.

REPORTER: It has been reported that the Government is coordinating to assume some of the costs associated with the decontamination of the areas near Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station as well as the costs of the interim storage facilities. Can you please explain if the reports are true and the status of the considerations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to this issue, we understand that the party is conducting wide-ranging and sincere discussions on the theme of reconstruction and revitalization. In this context, we will closely monitor the discussions of the party, and if the party makes proposals, the Government will take them seriously.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding an overseas visit of the Prime Minister. Some media have reported that the Prime Minister may go to Sochi to coincide with the Sochi Olympics next year. Can you tell us what the current status of the arrangements and considerations are?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe you are talking about February of next year. We do not yet have the luxury to think that far ahead. I myself learned about this for the first time after reading the reports. As of now, nothing has been decided.

REPORTER: It says here that at today's Cabinet meeting, former Prime Minister Mori was appointed as the chief official who will accompany Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress on their visit to India. What was the reason for selecting or placing Mr. Mori in charge?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: (Former) Prime Minister Mori indeed has made distinguished achievements as Prime Minister, and he has experience. In light of the burden on Their Majesties and various other factors, we determined that (former) Prime Minister Mori was suitable, and therefore, asked him to take on this position.