Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issues related to the exchanges of opinion between U.S.Vice President Biden and Chinese President Xi in Beijing
• The issues related to contaminated water at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
• The inscription of Washoku, Japanese traditional dietary culture on UNESCO's List on the Intangible Heritage

(Abridged)

REPORTER: During the recent meeting between Vice President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping, the U.S. side stated that it cannot accept China's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), but it did not go so far as to request the revocation of the zone, as Japan has demanded of China. The fact that the United States did not take one step further in making demands as tough as Japan is interpreted by some that Japan and the United States are at odds with each other. What do you think about the response of the United States, which has not demanded a revocation of the ADIZ?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not believe that to be the case whatsoever. Prime Minister Abe and Vice President Biden made thorough efforts to gain a shared understanding during his visit to Japan, and we understand that based on this, the United States has taken Japan's position fully into account in its response to China's establishment of an ADIZ. The Vice President stated during his talks with the Prime Minister that the United States does not approve of the ADIZ announced by China, and is deeply concerned by it. We are also aware that the United States has clearly stated, among other things, that enforcement measures that could cause unexpected occurrence of accidents should be taken.

REPORTER: Then, what about the fact that the United States did not request the revocation of such measures?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Regarding this matter, my understanding is that the United States stated our position in a clear manner.

REPORTER: Have you heard anything from the United States with regard to the discussions that took place during Vice President Biden's visit to China? Also, during his meeting with Prime Minister Abe, did Vice President Biden say what specifically the United States will convey to China, as a mediator?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe it is not appropriate to disclose the details of the meeting between the Prime Minister and Vice President Biden. However, our view is that, as the United States has clearly stated, it is responding to this matter with China based on a full understanding of Japan's position. We believe this is in fact what is happening. Regarding the response, Japan and the United States are in constant contact through diplomatic channels.

REPORTER: So do you in fact have information to some extent regarding the exchanges that took place between Vice President Biden and President Xi in Beijing?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Of course.

REPORTER: Is there anything you are able to share with us?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Well, as this is a diplomatic issue, I would like to refrain from responding here. However, we are in close contact with the United States.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: With regard to the contaminated water at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, a study team of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has advised that all options be considered, including controlled discharges to the sea of contaminated water with doses below the reference value, and has said that this practice is carried out throughout the world. What is your thought on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, we are aware that from November 25 to December 4, the IAEA carried out a review of the decommissioning of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station We will take the IAEA's advice into consideration as well when dealing with the situation. At this point in time we have been informed that, as you just stated, the IAEA has advised that a range of options for managing the contaminated water be considered, including controlled discharges to the sea. However, we understand that the Committee on Countermeasures for Contaminated Water Treatment has in fact set up forums for comprehensively considering technologies for the decomposition and storage of tritium, which also take into account technical proposals received from around the world, as well as other countries' handling of tritium. Furthermore, there is no change in our policy that contaminated water will not be discharged without careful consideration. Based on this policy, in any case we deem it is important to comprehensively consider the handling of tritium, and to obtain the understanding of local residents and the approval of the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA). 

REPORTER: As you just mentioned, a reason for opposing discharges to the sea is that tritium decontamination is not possible. NRA Chairman Shunichi Tanaka has maintained that tritium levels are not high enough to be of concern. It has been suggested that information really needs to be provided and that a full-fledged forum must be set up to this end so that local residents and the public are able to make decisions based not on their emotions but on scientific grounds. What are your thoughts in this regard?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The technical proposals we have solicited in order to pool the wisdom of people inside and outside Japan include various proposals concerning the handling of tritium. I understand that the Committee on Countermeasures for Contaminated Water Treatment is currently carrying out reviews of the countermeasures against potential risks and other matters precisely for that purpose, with a view to compiling a report by the end of this year.

REPORTER: It has been formally decided that Washoku will be inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This inscription comes at a time when trust in Japanese food is being lost outside of Japan as a result of the nuclear power station accident that was noted moments ago. Could you please share your comments on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan is very pleased that Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and sincerely welcomes this decision. We would like to express our appreciation for the efforts of everyone who was involved in this decision. In light of this, Washoku is a social practice related to food, which embodies Japan's spirit of "respect for nature," and we believe UNESCO's acknowledgement of this practice has led to this inscription. I hope that this inscription will create momentum for passing down Japan's Washoku, indeed, Japan's traditional dietary cultures, onto future generations and for spreading this culture overseas.