Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue concerning the comfort women
• The meeting of the families of the abductees with the Prime Ministre

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the comfort women issue. I heard that on March 17, Mr. Yasushi Yamamoto, Director of the Regional Policy Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other officials met with representatives from a communal living facility that offers support for former comfort women in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Could you share with us the facts and objective of the visit?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of the actions of individual officials. Nevertheless, while I am not aware of the facts regarding this matter, the Japanese Government and the ROK Government are in fact communicating via diplomatic or economic routes to resolve the various issues that exist between our two countries. But as I said, the specific details of such communications are not reported to me.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the abduction issue. I understand that the Government will meet the families of the abductees tomorrow and inform them of various matters, including the current situation surrounding the abduction issue and the details of the unofficial Japan-North Korea consultations. Are there in fact plans for this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Upon the request of the families of the abductees, we are currently making final arrangements for a meeting with the Prime Minister. Our view is that the Government will fully take into account the opinions and requests of the families of the abductees and continue to carefully meet every need of the families and other concerned parties. At the same time, we will also do everything we can to resolve the abduction issue.

REPORTER: I understand that the Abe administration places priority on the resolution of the abduction issue. Does the Government therefore intend to strengthen the systems in place or enhance support for the abductees' families?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister has a strong desire to resolve the abduction issue himself. It is therefore the case that the Abe administration is exploring each and every possibility to address this issue. In light of this, I have been informed that upon the request of the families of the abductees, we are therefore currently making arrangements for a meeting with the Prime Minister.

(Abridged)