Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The result of by-election in Kagoshima
• The U.S.-Philippines defense agreement
• The Governor of Tokyo’s visit to China

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the result of yesterday's election. The new Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) member Masuo Kaneko won the by-election for the Kagoshima No.2 constituency by over 20,000 votes. You yourself mentioned that the by-election would call attention to economic policies, including those designed to mitigate the effects of the consumption tax increase, and national security policies. Could you share with us how you believe the by-election result will affect the administration of the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, yesterday's by-election was the first election since the consumption tax increase. Furthermore, some opposition parties formed coalitions, so the election was very challenging for the LDP candidate, but we were nevertheless able to win. For that I would like to extend my gratitude to the public.
The election took place as the Abe administration strives to achieve revitalization of the Japanese economy and as the security environment surrounding Japan continues to grow increasingly severe. In particular, with regard to security policies, right before the election, President Obama visited Japan, and the two leaders held a Japan-U.S. summit, following which both countries announced a U.S.-Japan Joint Statement.
I believe that the election result shows there is some degree of public understanding in relation to the Abe Government's policies.
We will not become complacent with this result. We are determined to remain humble and continue to run the Government with a sense of vigilance for the benefit of the nation and its people. 

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the U.S.-Philippines defense agreement. As China attempts to expand its influence in the South China Sea, it is expected that the U.S. and the Philippines will sign a new defense agreement as early as this afternoon. What is the Japanese Government's view on the signing of this agreement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from commenting on agreements between third party nations. However, the Japanese Government welcomes the Obama administration's various efforts to implement its policy that places a priority on Asia, or the so-called policy of rebalancing toward Asia.
Ensuring maritime order, including freedom of travel, is a challenge for all countries, not just Japan, the U.S. and the Philippines. Therefore, the Japanese Government would like to cooperate in various way to establish maritime order.

REPORTER: You just said that the Japanese Government would like to cooperate in various way. Japan and the Philippines share the same values of freedom and democracy, so does the Japanese Government have any plans to strengthen trilateral cooperation among Japan, the U.S. and the Philippines?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Ensuring maritime order, including freedom of travel, is a challenge for all countries, not just Japan, the U.S. and the Philippines. Therefore, the Japanese Government will cooperate in every way that it can. Furthermore, as the recent U.S.-Japan Joint Statement says, the U.S. and Japan fully support the use of diplomatic and legal means, including international arbitration, to settle maritime disputes in the South China Sea. 

REPORTER: In relation to territorial rights issues with China, the Philippines is seeking to settle the issue in a court of arbitration in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. How does the Japanese Government view this move by the Philippines?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I just said, as per the U.S.-Japan Joint Statement, Japan supports the use of diplomatic and legal means to settle maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

REPORTER: As was the case with the by-election in Kagoshima, a conservative candidate won the Okinawa mayoral election. What are your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, candidates for the Okinawa mayoral election presented different views on various initiatives, including economic policies for Okinawa. Sachio Kuwae, who had the backing of the ruling parties, pledged to rejuvenate Okinawa City, one of the cities within Okinawa faced with employment and income issues. His electoral victory shows that the pledges of the ruling parties were approved by the voters and I am hopeful that Mr. Kuwae, who pledges to rejuvenate Okinawa City, will meet the high expectations of the residents.  
Furthermore, while bearing in mind the sentiments of the people of Okinawa, the Government will provide support for efforts to develop Okinawa and reduce the burden placed on the Prefecture, including in Okinawa City where Kadena Air Base is located. The Government will work as one to reduce the burden placed on Okinawa and remove any danger.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I heard that Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe held talks with the Prime Minister earlier today to report on his trip to China. I also heard that you were present. Could you share with us the details of the report and the meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: According to Governor Masuzoe, Tokyo and Beijing are sister cities, and for that reason the Governor was invited to visit Beijing, the first time this has happened in 18 years.
He reported to us that during his visit he met with the Vice Premier as well as the Mayor of the City of Beijing.
Upon his meeting with the officials, Governor Masuzoe fully relayed Prime Minister Abe's desire for the improvement of Japan-China relations, and in response, the Chinese representatives also expressed their desire to truly rebuild Japan-China relations, particularly the economic relationship between our two countries.

REPORTER: Following the meeting, Governor Masuzoe answered questions from journalists. I understand the Governor told the Prime Minister that the Chinese officials shown a critical stance toward the Yasukuni Shrine issue. Did the Prime Minister say anything in response to this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government's stance on the issue is the same as it always has been. Governor Masuzoe simply reported the fact that such specific dialogue took place.

REPORTER: You just said the Government had Governor Masuzoe relay the Prime Minister's desire for the improvement of Japan-China relations. Could you tell us in what way the Prime Minister explained this desire to Governor Masuzoe when the three of you met prior to the Governor's trip to China?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: China and Japan are the world's second and third largest economies and China is a neighbor of Japan. For this reason, the two countries truly share a responsibility for the peace, prosperity and stability of Asia and the rest of the world. The Japanese Government's stance is that we always keep our door open for dialogue with China. The Prime Minister relayed this basic stance of Japan to Governor Masuzoe.

REPORTER: Am I right to understand that the Prime Minister told Governor Masuzoe that the two Governments should aim for holding a summit meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Both countries hope to see improvement in Japan-China relations through natural means. Governor Masuzoe reported that China holds this same opinion.

REPORTER: Today, April 28 is Sovereignty Restoration Day. It was part of the LDP's campaign pledge to hold a Government ceremony for the occasion. Could you tell us the reason for not holding a ceremony today?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: On April 28 last year, the Government held a Sovereignty Restoration Day ceremony. We did so with the purpose of reaffirming the significance of Japan's responsible contribution to the peace and prosperity of the international community and also our determination to cultivate a future for our nation while learning from the experiences and lessons of the past. We did so to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the restoration of Japan’s sovereignty.
We believe that it is extremely important that we remember this anniversary with such a philosophy in mind.
I may have said this during a press conference after the last ceremony, but the Government plans to hold the ceremony from time to time at certain milestones.

(Abridged)