Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary(Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Japan-U.S. Summit meeting
• The seizure of the vessel belonging to MOL
• The possibility of a nuclear test by North Korea
• The situation in Ukraine

REPORTER: The Japan-U.S. summit meeting is currently underway, but I would like to ask a question about last night's unofficial dinner meeting. President Obama reportedly commented that the sushi was the best he has ever had. Could you share any thoughts you might have about his comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Sushi is one of the most renowned forms of Japanese cuisine, which has been inscribed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, and President Obama apparently said that last night's sushi was the best he has ever had. As such I am very pleased. Furthermore, I hope that we can use opportunities like this to promote the wonderful culinary culture of Japan around the world. Moreover, last night's dinner took place in a very relaxed atmosphere, allowing the leaders of our two countries to converse with one another. I would assume this contributed greatly to further deepening the sense of trust between them.

REPORTER: I would like to ask another question about the sushi. Did you hear what sushi President Obama liked the best?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No, I did not. However, judging from his expression, I would think he was probably very satisfied. Personally, I have never been to the restaurant.

REPORTER: I apologize for asking in such detail but do you know what sushi President Obama ate?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No, I did not, but I did hear that he ate quite a lot.

(Abridged)　

REPORTER: I have a question in relation to the summit meeting. It is also expected that some progress will be made during the summit meeting with regard to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. Could you share with us any expectations you may have in this regard?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Both countries have truly engaged in negotiations as firmly as we can and are seeking to protect national interests. I have also been informed that during yesterday's dinner meeting the two leaders decided that we should hold another ministerial meeting. Negotiations carried on until 3 or 4 am this morning, I believe, but I am not aware of the outcome. Regardless, I am sure that the TPP will be one of the topics of discussion at the summit meeting.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the seizure of the vessel belonging to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL). MOL reportedly paid a total of 4 billion yen, as per court order, consisting of over 2 billion yen for unpaid wages with the remainder being interest accrued. Some information suggests that the ship was released sometime this morning. Could you share with us any facts that the Government may have regarding the current situation? I would also like to know if the Chinese Government has since contacted the Japanese Government in relation to this.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: MOL and the Shanghai Maritime Court have engaged in consultations every day for some time and have made progress on the matter. I understand that both parties have made every effort to allow the vessel to leave the port before day's end. In any case, I believe MOL will make a proper announcement about this. Via diplomatic routes, the Japanese Government has communicated our regret over the sudden seizure of the MOL ship. At the same time, we have also strongly urged the Chinese Government to respond appropriately.

REPORTER: Please allow me to ask another question on this topic. When the vessel was initially seized, I recall that you strongly criticized the action during a press conference, saying that the seizure of the ship may undermine the spirit of the Japan-China Joint Communique. How does the Government view the decision by MOL to comply with the court order for payment?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, as you know, this case was still being deliberated in court, with a settlement being reached for one of the three ships in question, I believe. The Chinese Government then decided to suddenly seize the ship while the case was still in progress. We therefore strongly urged the Chinese Government to respond appropriately, as China’s actions may ultimately discourage any Japanese companies from doing business in China.

REPORTER: If similar court cases take place in the future, there is some fear that Japanese companies will have to pay compensation every time. What are your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The statute of limitations on this matter had not yet passed and this case had been in court for some time. In any case, when addressing incidents like this that took place many years in the past, it is my hope that they will be dealt with legally and objectively, taking into account the statute of limitations and other such matters. I believe that in this sense this issue is an unusual case. This case had been on trial for some time and arrangements for settlement had already commenced. 
 
REPORTER: I would like to ask another question on this topic. Some media outlets have reported that Chinese authorities detained three employees of a Chinese subsidiary of Marubeni. We do not know their nationality, but at this point, what kind of information does the Japanese Government have on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The three employees were detained and we have confirmed with Marubeni that none of the three are Japanese nationals.

REPORTER: How did the Japanese Government and MOL work together in the payment of the 4 billion yen in compensation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As this is a legal matter that was being deliberated in court I must ask that you direct your questions to MOL for more details.

REPORTER: I would like to ask another question on this topic. What are your views on how this matter relates to the issue of post-war compensation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that the Chinese Government announced that this issue is not connected to post-war compensation. Therefore, I think the two issues should be viewed separately.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question in relation to North Korea. The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) believes that North Korea has reached a point where it is able to conduct a nuclear test by surprise at any time. What does the Japanese Government currently know about this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan is making every effort to gather and analyze information in cooperation with the U.S. and the ROK. In any case, the Japanese Government views this matter with grave concern. However, I would like to refrain from discussing the details due to the nature of the issue.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the situation in Ukraine. Pro-Russian militia have detained a male journalist from the U.S. as well as other foreign journalists. Does the Japanese Government intend to take action over this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Japanese Government is monitoring the situation throughout East Ukraine with grave anxiety and concern, including the detention of journalists by separatists. The joint Geneva Statement on Ukraine calls on all sides to refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocative actions and we are strongly urging all sides to cease violence and behave with maximum self-restraint and responsibility. The Japanese Government is also strongly urging all parties to act in compliance with the statement via diplomatic routes.