Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved 18 general and other measures, draft bills, cabinet orders, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the FY2014 projected revenue and expenditure totals for local governments. The Minister of Justice made a statement concerning a Diet report pursuant to the Act on Wiretapping for Criminal Investigation. Prime Minister Abe made a statement concerning the execution of the "Economic Measures for Realization of Virtuous Cycles." Minister Amari made a statement concerning the swift execution of the "Economic Measures for Realization of Virtuous Cycles." The Minister of Finance made a statement concerning the passage of the FY2013 supplementary budget. The Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the swift implementation of projects by local governments based on the "Economic Measures for Realization of Virtuous Cycles." Prime Minister Abe made a statement concerning acting Ministers while Ministers in charge are away on overseas visits.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism made a statement concerning ensuring the smooth execution of public works construction projects. The Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning ensuring the prompt and smooth execution of public works construction projects by local governments.

Q&As

• The issue related to the fast breeder reactor Monju
• The issue related to Sochi Olympic Games

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the fast breeder reactor Monju. It has been reported that Monju's practical application targets will not be included in the Basic Energy Plan and that the targets will be scrapped. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that there were such media reports today. However, the new Basic Energy Plan is now under review, and it is not at all true that we decided to move in the direction stated in the aforementioned reports. In any case, taking into account the various opinions, we will conduct thorough reviews for the Basic Energy Plan including of Monju, We will also work in careful coordination with the ruling parties before coming to a decision. The Government intends to address this matter in a responsible manner.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympic Games will be held shortly. What is your message to the Japanese National Team, if any?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Soon a fierce competition will unfold, lasting 17 days  starting from today. From Japan, 113 athletes are expected to participate in the Olympic Games. There are high hopes of Japan winning medals in a variety of events, including figure skating, ski jumping, and speed skating - events for which the interest of the Japanese people is particularly high. I hope that all the athletes are able to demonstrate to the best of their abilities the fruits of the painstaking training they endured every day, and that they each have performances they can be satisfied with.