Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue related to the relocation of Futenma Air Station
• The issue of civic textbook used in junior high school Taketomi, Okinawa Prefecture

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In regards to the issue of the relocation of Futenma Air Station, Governor Nakaima of Okinawa Prefecture has requested that Futenma Air Station's operations be suspended within five years. How does the Government intend to address this issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: During the recent meeting of the Okinawa Policy Council, we received a variety of requests from Governor Nakaima in regard to reducing the burden of the bases, and the budget for the promotion and development of Okinawa. The Government will take the Governor's requests seriously, and exert maximum efforts. This is what the Prime Minister has stated, and this is the basic stance of the Government. As these requests are now being reviewed, I would like to refrain from commenting specifically on the direction of responses.

REPORTER: I have a question about the issue of the textbook used in Taketomi, Okinawa Prefecture. Taketomi uses a civics textbook for junior high school students which is different from the one specified in the guidelines of the textbook adoption district council. To this day, the situation shows no sign of improvement. How will the Government be dealing with this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that on November 21, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) instructed the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education to request Taketomi to take corrective action. However, no adequate response has yet been taken. We view that pursuant to the provisions of the Local Autonomy Act, the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education has a legal obligation to request Taketomi to take corrective action. Therefore, we view that the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education must swiftly request Taketomi to take corrective action in accordance with the law.

REPORTER: Related to this, am I to understand that at this stage, the Government is not yet considering making a direct request to Taketomi to take corrective action?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Regarding the Government's responses, please contact MEXT. I believe they are carrying out various reviews.