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 of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism made a statement concerning personnel affairs of the heads of special companies.

I would like to make an announcement regarding personnel decisions, including the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, which were approved at today’s Cabinet meeting. It was decided that Mr. Hironobu Takesaki, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, will retire from office on March 31. Accordingly, Mr. Itsuro Terada, currently a Justice of the Supreme Court, will be nominated as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Mr. Toshimitsu Yamasaki, current President of the Tokyo High Court, will also be nominated to succeed Mr. Terada as Justice of the Supreme Court. The investiture ceremony for the appointment of Mr. Terada as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the attestation ceremony for the appointment of Mr. Yamasaki as Justice of the Supreme Court will both be conducted on April 1. Mr. Terada previously served as President of the Hiroshima High Court, Chief Judge of the Saitama District Court, Director-General of the Civil Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Justice, among other key positions. Mr. Terada has a wealth of experience both in court affairs as a civil affairs judge and in judicial administration. In particular, Mr. Terada contributed to realizing various system reforms in carrying out the judicial system reform, including making great efforts to establish and develop the Japan Legal Support Center at the Ministry of Justice. In this regard, the Government considers Mr. Terada well qualified to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. We have high expectations that Mr. Terada will tackle the various issues facing court affairs as well as the judiciary following his appointment to the office of Chief Justice. 

Q&As

• The issues related to the situation in Ukraine
• The issue related to comfort women
• The issue related to Bitcoin
• The issue related to the interview of US Ambassador Kennedy by NHK

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the situation in Ukraine. President Obama issued an Executive Order that blocks certain properties in the United States and restricts the entry into the country of individuals and groups that threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. What is your reaction to this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I am aware of the matter you just noted. Japan will maintain close communication with relevant countries and deal with this matter appropriately, while monitoring the developments. At any rate, with regard to the situation in Ukraine, 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.

REPORTER: The European Union (EU) is also considering sanctions like the United States. What measures is Japan considering? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that the EU is also considering such measures. As I stated moments ago, Japan will deal with this matter in close communication with relevant countries, while monitoring the developments.

REPORTER: I gather that the U.S. President held telephone talks with President Vladimir Putin and told him directly that the United States would impose economic sanctions. Are there any plans for telephone talks between Prime Minister Abe of Japan and President Obama?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are coordinating overseas and making various efforts through diplomatic channels, including what you just mentioned.

REPORTER: My question also relates to the situation in Ukraine. The media reported that Japan approached Russia about postponing the visit by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia. This was originally scheduled to take place from the 11th to the 14th of this month. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have no knowledge of this. I believe nothing has been decided.

REPORTER: Sorry, I have another question regarding the situation in Ukraine. Crimea’s local government will hold a referendum on the 16th of this month to decide whether to join Russia. This move may run counter to what you noted earlier about strongly urging all the parties concerned to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. What is your view on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the news that the Autonomous Republic of Crimea intends to take such action. Japan will monitor the developments with grave anxiety and concern for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: It has come to light that Chinese and Korean civic groups are working to erect another comfort women statue, this time in Sydney, Australia. Can you please share your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, the Government is aware of the media reports. The Government has been properly addressing the comfort women issue based on our position to date that we should not turn this issue into a political or diplomatic issue. Therefore, this time as well, we will be fully asserting our position based on this idea.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding Bitcoin. There is a debate among members of the ruling parties with regard to exploring regulations on Bitcoin. Is the Government considering new regulations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, today the Cabinet actually approved a written answer in response to a letter of questions by Diet members regarding Bitcoin. The relevant ministries and agencies collected information on Bitcoin and reviewed its status against existing laws. However, at present, the company MtGox is filing for bankruptcy under the civil rehabilitation procedure. Therefore, our view is that we need to watch over the arbitrage procedures. In any case, we will consider measures if necessary.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In an interview with NHK yesterday, Ms. Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, urged for the easing of tensions between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK). What is your reaction? Also, how will the Government be dealing with this? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As the security situation increases in severity, the United States has consistently said that Japan, the United States, and the ROK shall fully address this situation. I perceive that this is increasing in importance. In particular, Ambassador Kennedy shares our understanding that the Japan-U.S. alliance is also unwavering in strategic terms. In this sense, we deem it is important that Japan, the United States, and the ROK work together with the Japan-U.S. alliance as the bedrock.  

REPORTER: In regard to the Prime Minister’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine, Ambassador Kennedy stated, “anything that makes the regional climate more difficult is something that is not as constructive moving forward.” What is your opinion on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As the Prime Minister explained on the occasion of his visit to Yasukuni Shrine, the Prime Minister made the visit to pledge for everlasting peace and to pledge to create a country that will never wage a war again. Japan will offer explanations humbly, respectfully, and sincerely and seek to obtain understanding.