Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issues related to dependence on nuclear power
• The issue related to Prime Minister ‘s visit to Yasukuni Shrine

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning dependence on nuclear power. In the Budget Committee meeting of the House of Representatives today, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Motegi responded to a question from Mr. Motohisa Furukawa of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). Minister Motegi stated that prior to the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, nuclear dependence was 30 percent. He said that the Government would reduce dependence on nuclear power to below this level. Could you provide an explanation about the intent of this comment?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Well, I believe Minister Motegi was simply stating the obvious. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) made a commitment in its campaign pledge to make every effort to promote the spread of renewable energies over a three-year period and, at the same time, to lower the dependence on nuclear power as much as possible. It is therefore only natural that the dependence on nuclear power would drop roughly below past levels.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a follow-up question on the scale of the reduction. Mr. Furukawa noted that the Government has not yet set out a road map on lowering the dependence rate. In response, Minister Motegi stated that the target is not to decrease dependence to zero, but only to reduce dependence to below the levels prior to March 11, 2011. On the other hand, in the same response Minister Motegi noted that at present, traditional thermal power stations are almost at full capacity. What does the Government have in mind in regarding nuclear power while promoting renewable energies? Could you also share the Government’s views on restarting nuclear power stations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is a campaign pledge of the LDP to make every effort to promote renewable energies and to lower the current dependence on nuclear power at the same time. The Government shares exactly the same views on this. I assume that is what Minister Motegi said.

REPORTER: If that is the case, could you explain a scenario for lowering the dependence on nuclear power? This was also raised in Mr. Furukawa’s question to Minister Motegi.
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The new Basic Energy Policy sets out the Government’s position on the future energy mix, including lowering the dependence on nuclear power. Based on this policy the Government is placing strong focus on energy conservation. We will also ensure the full-fledged spread of renewable energies. In the course of implementing these policies the Government will  work to lower dependence on nuclear power. This is the LDP’s campaign pledge, and is also a view shared by the Government. We will therefore make every effort towards achieving these policies.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the issue of Yasukuni Shrine. In today’s Budget Committee meeting of the House of Representatives the Prime Minister stated that it is very unfortunate that his visit to the shrine has become a diplomatic issue. He also said that he considered his own efforts to be insufficient. In light of this, what specific efforts does the Government intend to make regarding this issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I consider that by making this comment, the Prime Minister was indicating that he will explain his intentions humbly, respectfully and sincerely to countries concerned.

REPORTER: I have a follow-up question. Does that mean the Prime Minister will explain his true intentions by himself during summit meetings with the United States and the Republic of Korea, for example, and other such opportunities?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister will of course use such opportunities himself. At the same time, the Government is also currently using diplomatic channels to explain the Prime Minister’s true intentions, which he himself explained in his press conference following his visit to the shrine. We have not yet obtained understanding for the Prime Minister’s intentions from  some countries. As such, the Prime Minister stated that he would like to  explain the purpose of his visit  humbly, respectfully and sincerely. That is all. I believe he will persistently provide such explanations.

(Abridged)