Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The discussion with Chair Onaga of the Liberal Democratic Party of Okinawa
• The issue related to the online sales of pharmaceutical products
• The issue related to the special intelligence protection bill

REPORTER: This afternoon, you met with Chair Onaga of the Liberal Democratic Party of Okinawa. Can you please share what was discussed between the two of you?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I explained in a clear manner the Government's position on the relocation of Futenma Air Station to Henoko. I asked the Okinawa chapter for its understanding regarding the position of the Government, so that we may move forward with the relocation to Henoko, as this was something that was decided between Japan and the U.S. out of consideration for maintaining deterrence and reducing the burden of Futenma Air Station.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Does the Government intend to strengthen its lobbying efforts or continue to make these contacts with various parties, including the Okinawa chapter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The position of the Government is clear. Therefore, I made it abundantly clear that the relocation to outside Okinawa Prefecture is not a possibility. Also, I explained clearly that the Government will do whatever it takes to remove the risks posed by Futenma and realize its relocation to Henoko. And at the same time, the Government will do whatever it takes to reduce the burden borne by Okinawa. That is what I said.

REPORTER: My question is related to the previous question. In the doorstep interview with the Okinawa chapter, it was said that during your talks with the chapter, you said that if the relocation site is not Henoko, then Futenma Air Station would remain at its current location indefinitely. Consequently, Chair Onaga had a stern expression on his face, saying that the Okinawa chapter takes these remarks very seriously. What was the aim behind your choice of words at this moment in time?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There was no aim. As the Okinawa chapter requested the Government to approve the relocation to outside the prefecture, I said that that was not a possibility. This is because the relocation to Henoko was a promise made between two countries, Japan and the U.S. Indeed, the removal of the risks posed by Futenma Air Station is something that the Government must realize as quickly as possible. And then there is the matter of deterrence. In light of these circumstances, I said that the Government asks Okinawa for its understanding on moving forward according to the existing policy. At the same time, I stated that the Government is making every effort to reduce the burden of the bases as requested by Okinawa. In this context, I asked for the understanding of Okinawa.

REPORTER: In connection with this, I understand that you two also discussed a little bit about the timing of the Governor's decision regarding the land reclamation application. Does it remain unchanged that the Government will request and aim for the Governor to make his decision by the end of the year in accordance with the existing plan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Rather, I believe it is the role of the Government to create an environment in which the Governor can make a decision. As we are not the only ones involved in this process, there are many aspects that may not move forward easily, but to the greatest extent possible the Government is exerting its utmost efforts.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the online sales of pharmaceutical products. A short while ago, Mr. Mikitani, who had said that he would resign from the Government's Industrial Competitiveness Council in protest against the fact that some of the governmental regulations still remain, has now met with the Prime Minister and is saying he has decided not to resign. What is your reaction to this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That is fine, is it not?

REPORTER: If I may ask another question. As for the reason for deciding not to resign, Mr. Mikitani explained that this was because the Prime Minister agreed to create a body that comprehensively examines and reviews the issue of face-to-face sales vs. electronic sales, as requested by Mr. Mikitani. Can you please comment on the creation of this body?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: If that was what was said during the meeting with the Prime Minister, then that must exactly be the case, must it not? Yes, I think so.

REPORTER: Moments ago, you said that during your consultations with the Okinawa chapter, you told the chapter that the relocation to outside the prefecture was not a possibility. However, "not a possibility" is quite a strong way of phrasing this. I would think this could generate protests from Okinawa. What is your understanding?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The fact of the matter is that the relocation to Henoko was promised between Japan and the U.S. Furthermore, I think the relocation to outside the prefecture is highly unrealistic from the perspective of deterrence. However, because Okinawa is presently being asked to shoulder most of the burden of this deterrence, we, the Government, naturally believe that our most important task is to make every effort to reduce this burden. The Government in turn would like to ask the Okinawa chapter for its cooperation to be able to carry out the land reclamation for the relocation of Futenma, as was promised between Japan and the U.S.

REPORTER: Excuse me, but I would like to return to the subject of pharmaceutical products. Although it is being made to sound like the Prime Minister told Mr. Mikitani to stay in the Industrial Competitiveness Council and that therefore he will, at the same time I believe Mr. Mikitani is making preparations to sue the Government. In short, it is hard to understand how Mr. Mikitani can be fighting the Government in court, and conversely, serving as a member of the Council. What is your view on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that is not for me but for Mr. Mikitani and other members of the plaintiff companies, to think about.

REPORTER: At the same time, Mr. Mikitani has raised issues with and strongly criticized the fact that a sentence prohibiting the online sales of prescription drugs will be included in the revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. What is the Government's opinion regarding the fact that this sentence will be included?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This was approved by the Cabinet. The Cabinet decision was approved because it was deemed that this was naturally necessary.

REPORTER: Are you of the opinion that some level of Internet restriction is necessary concerning prescription drugs?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: A Cabinet decision was made following the approval and procedures of the ruling parties. There is nothing more or less to this.

REPORTER: Regarding the special intelligence protection bill, Director Nakatani of the Special Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives has indicated that he seeks to obtain an agreement with the Japan Restoration Party and with Your Party by tomorrow afternoon. Is it correct to interpret that the objective is to obtain an agreement among the four parties?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not fully aware of what is taking place on site. Chief Director Nakatani is indeed standing on the frontlines leading the efforts on site, and therefore, I believe things are moving in the direction as explained by Mr. Nakatani.

REPORTER: Sorry, I have a related question. It seems that the Democratic Party of Japan will also be compiling a counterproposal. How will this proposal be dealt with?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This matter, including what you have just stated, has been entrusted to those on site.