Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue related to the appointment of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
• The issues related to comfort women
• The issue related to the situation in Ukraine
• The issue related to a lawsuit of forcible recruitment during the Second World War
• The issues related to the right to collective self-defense

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the appointment of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. It was informally decided that Justice Itsuro Terada will be appointed as the new Chief Justice. If that is the case he would be following in his father’s footsteps. Can I ask about the background behind the decision and the expectations for Mr. Terada?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, Chief Justice Hironobu Takesaki announced his retirement on February 26. With regard to appointing a successor and other such arrangements, in accordance with custom, the Prime Minister spoke directly with current Chief Justice Takesaki to hear his opinions, after which he had a meeting with Justice Terada who was being considered as a candidate. I understand that Justice Terada indicated that he would accept the position, were he nominated. We are scheduled to make a decision in tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting. I will speak in greater detail about the appointment once formal approval is granted.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The United States Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (ROK) made remarks concerning the comfort women issue in a press conference. He described it as a grave violation of human rights and that he hoped the issue could be resolved in a way that eases the pain of the victims. Although this was only a single Ambassador, nonetheless a person in an official position in the United States has called once again for a resolution to the comfort women issue. What is the view of the Government of Japan with regard to these comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, as I have repeatedly stated, Japan’s position is that this issue was fully resolved under the terms of the Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea. Based on that, the Government of Japan established a fund for the former comfort women and the Prime Minister at the time sent a letter to each of them. These efforts were made in consultation with the Government of the ROK. Although the matter was seen as being resolved, regrettably, after a few years  the situation reverted to how it was in the past. Nevertheless, the position of the Government of Japan on the comfort women is as the Prime Minister has repeatedly stated and as I have frequently explained. We seek to ensure that in this century there will be no more wars in which such things occur.

REPORTER: Although the Government is stating that the issue has been resolved, it seems there is difficulty in gaining understanding for this. Given these circumstances, is the Government considering any new measures, such as a fund like the one you just mentioned?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would very much like it to be understood that the Government of Japan already took such measures. Furthermore, when we did so, we were also engaging in consultations with the Government of the ROK.

REPORTER: So are you saying that at this time the Government does not find it necessary to consider such measures?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would surmise that perhaps the United States Ambassador made these comments without an understanding of the measures that the Government of Japan has implemented to date. I believe that it is important for the Government to continue to persistently and carefully explain our stance.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the situation in the Ukraine. The United States Department of State issued a statement criticizing the “10 False Claims About Ukraine” made by President Putin. What is the Government of Japan’s view on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have stated on several occasions, the Government’s position on the situation in Ukraine is that we strongly expect that the situation will be settled by peaceful means. Furthermore, to that end, Japan strongly urges all the parties concerned to behave with maximum self-restraint and responsibility, to fully observe the relevant international laws, and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Japan believes that promoting dialogue among the relevant countries for easing the tension is crucial.

REPORTER: With regard to forcible recruitment during the Second World War, in China former Chinese laborers and their family members filed a suit against the Government of Japan and Japanese companies. Can I ask for your thoughts on this case and also about how the Government intends to respond?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA:　Regarding the  issue of the claims between Japan and China, following the issuance of the Joint Communique of the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China in 1972 the Government’s position is that such issues no longer exist. Furthermore, as this is a civil lawsuit between Chinese nationals and companies concerned, I would like to refrain from making any comment on behalf of the Government.

REPORTER: You just stated that there were consultations between the Government of Japan and the Government of the ROK on the issue of the comfort women. Does this mean that the Government is formally confirming that such consultations took place?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Well, it is a fact that we implemented the fund while holding discussions with the Government of the ROK at the time.

REPORTER: You mentioned before that the Government will ascertain whether consultations took place. Does this mean that the Government will, for example, approach the ROK side to request that they abide by the decisions and promise that were made at the time?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Rather, we would first like to ascertain the facts as former Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Ishihara made a public testimony.

REPORTER: According to some press reports, there are moves by Chinese and Korean residents in Sydney, Australia to erect a statue of comfort women. Could you tell us if the Government is aware of such moves? Also what response will the Government make?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have not heard about this. If such moves did actually take place, the Government would assert its basic position clearly to avoid any misunderstanding.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the right to collective self-defense. There was also a question about this matter in this morning’s press conference. This afternoon Vice-President of the Liberal Democratic Party Masahiko Komura visited the Prime Minister and it appears he received instructions relating to the right to collective self-defense. Are we to understand that the Prime Minister set out the Government’s schedule for discussion on this issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of that. However, with regard to the relation between the right to collective self-defense and the Constitution, first we will receive the report from the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security. Then the Government will consider its response in consultation with the ruling parties based on opinions from the Cabinet Legislation Bureau. Following these consultations a Cabinet decision will be made, after which discussions will take place in the Diet. I believe this is how we will proceed. As you are all aware, currently there are already discussions taking place in the Diet on this issue. The Government is also conscientiously providing responses. We will ensure that a Cabinet Decision is made, after which we will naturally hold further discussion in the Diet.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have another question about the processes for discussion in the Diet. In yesterday’s meeting of the Budget Committee the Prime Minister stated that prior to a Cabinet decision, he would provide an explanation to the Diet about the direction for discussions. However, on the other hand he also stated that he would not present specific details until after a Cabinet decision is made. I would like to ask how we should understand these statements. I would also like to know what kind of process for discussions the Government is envisaging, including whether closed discussions are a possibility.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, it is the case that we are seriously holding various discussions on the issue of the right to self-defense in the current session of the Diet. The Government is currently already responding conscientiously to the questions it can respond to. However, given that we will not decide on a basic policy on this issue until a Cabinet decision is made, I think it is therefore currently difficult to engage in more in-depth discussions.

(Abridged)