Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue related to the Prime Minister Abe's visit to Yasukuni Shrine
• The issues related to the consumer price index for 2013
• The Japan-Russia Vice-Ministerial Meeting

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the issue of Yasukuni Shrine. In response to a question from Diet member Katsuya Okada in the Budget Committee (of the House of Representatives) today, the Prime Minister stated that he intends to provide an explanation to the United States about this issue. On the other hand, there are also media reports that on the occasion of President Obama's visit to Japan, the United States has requested that the Prime Minister should provide assurance that he will not visit Yasukuni Shrine. Given that the Prime Minister stated that he would like to provide an explanation to the United States, can we assume that future visits to the shrine are likely?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, there is no truth that Japan made any sort of pledge, as is being suggested in the United States. The decision on whether to visit the shrine rests with Japan and the existing stance is to not say either way whether a visit will be made or not.

REPORTER: The consumer price index for 2013 was announced, and for the first time in five years the index has risen year-on-year. Can I ask for the Government's thoughts on this result?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As you just mentioned, in 2013, the consumer price index has risen for the first time in five years, since 2008, with the average for private consumption integrated estimates, which exclude fresh food products, rising 0.4% year-on-year. The Government's recognition is that deflation is therefore in the process of disappearing. There has been a gradual increase in the price of a wide range of commodities, including electricity, gasoline and energy. In addition there have also been signs of a reduction in the rate of decline in prices, including the prices of consumer durable goods such as household appliances. The Government will continue to steadily promote the three arrows for economic revival, seeking to achieve the passage of the supplementary budget for FY2013 and the budget for FY2014, which we have currently submitted, as soon as possible. The Government will also continue to work towards the realization of a positive economic cycle, in which expanded corporate earnings lead to increased capital investment, increased wages and further expansion of employment opportunities. We will seek to follow exactly such a path towards exiting deflation and achieving economic revitalization.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Have you received any updates, reports or any other information about the current status of Japan-Russia Vice-Ministerial Meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I hear that today's Japan-Russia Vice- Ministerial Meeting is expected to cover a broad range of areas, such as our bilateral relationship, including the issue of the conclusion of a peace treaty, and cooperation in international relations. With regard to the issue of the conclusion of a peace treaty, the Government hopes that frank and truly constructive discussions will take place based on instructions from the leaders of both countries to accelerate negotiations and formulate a mutually acceptable solution.

(Abridged)