Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The ferry accident in the Republic of Korea
• Preparation for a nuclear test by North Korea
• The construction of a national commemoration facility

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the ferry accident in the Republic of Korea (ROK). I understand that the Japanese Government told the ROK Government that Japan is ready to offer assistance if the ROK requests it. Could you tell us if the ROK Government has made such a request to the Japanese Government or to members of the private sector? Also, I have heard that there are Japanese nationals who are involved in salvaging the wreckage and other rescue efforts. Does the Government have any information about this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Japanese Government is ready to offer assistance immediately if the ROK Government makes such a request. Prime Minister Abe himself also instructed us to be ready to offer immediate assistance for the rescue effort if a request is made. That being said, the ROK Government has not made such a request.
At the same time, in relation to your question about the involvement of Japanese nationals in the rescue effort, the Japanese Government does not have a grasp of who these individuals are. However, we are aware from the media reports that Japanese nationals are indeed involved in these efforts.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: There is information in the ROK surrounding movements by North Korea, which is believed to be preparing for a nuclear test. What are the Japanese Government’s thoughts on the possibility of North Korea proceeding with nuclear tests?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is aware of such media reports. We view the actions of North Korea with grave concern and are always gathering and analyzing those informations.
However, as this is an intelligence matter I would therefore like to refrain from answering your question.

REPORTER: Some believe the catalyst for North Korea's actions is President Obama's tour of Japan and the ROK, which will commence tomorrow. Does the Japanese Government also believe that North Korea is attempting to send a warning to Japan, the U.S. and the ROK?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There are indeed a number of views on the actions of North Korea, but it is also true that at this time of year there tends to be a lot of activity related to North Korea. This was indeed the case last year as well. In any case, we are addressing the situation with extreme vigilance and are determined to thoroughly protect the lives and property of the people, and to ensure the safety of Japan.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the construction of a national commemoration facility. While addressing journalists today, Chief Representative of New Komeito Yamaguchi expressed his hope that the Government would recommence serious discussions on the construction of a national commemoration facility due to diplomatic issues surrounding Yasukuni Shrine and has once again made such a request to the Government. I believe that during a press conference at the end of last year, you gave a cautious answer on this topic. Could you once again share your current thoughts on the construction of a national commemoration facility?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to the construction of a national commemoration facility, it is first of all extremely important that we gain the understanding and respect of the families of the deceased and the broader public. Different people have different views on this matter. As such, it has always been the stance of the Government to carefully assess the trends in public opinion.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question specifically about the actual visits to Yasukuni Shrine. When the Prime Minister himself visited Yasukuni Shrine at the end of last year he said he would make an effort to gain understanding for said visit. However, at this point, given that Japan has yet to gain the understanding of neighboring countries such as China and the ROK, I believe that providing an explanation is not enough and something more is needed. What are your thoughts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is currently leading the efforts to gain understanding. Our perception is that with the exception of those two countries, most countries now understand the Prime Minister's intention when visiting Yasukuni Shrine.
Furthermore, we will continue to firmly and persistently explain our stance to these two countries in order to gain their understanding.

(Abridged)