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 32 general and other measures and the promulgation of a treaty and legislation, as well as cabinet orders and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry made a statement concerning personnel affairs of the heads of special companies.

In the afternoon of May 15, we will hold the seventh meeting of the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security. During the meeting, Chairman Shunji Yanai, Acting Chairman Shinichi Kitaoka and other members of the Advisory Panel will submit a report to Prime Minister Abe. Immediately following the receipt of the report from the Advisory Panel, we will hold a four ministers' meeting of the National Security Council, which will then be followed by a press conference with Prime Minister Abe in the early evening. During the press conference, Prime Minister Abe is planning to present the Government's basic direction for how we will proceed on this matter. The Government will then discuss what action we should take in consultation with the ruling parties, while also taking into consideration the opinions of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau. If we do decide to change the constitutional interpretation, a Cabinet decision will be made, after which we intend to hold discussions in the Diet.

Q&As

• The submission of a report from the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal basis for Security
• U.S. Ambassador’s visit to Fukushima

(Abridged)

REPORTER: What are the reasons for the decision to have the Prime Minister hold a press conference to explain the Government's direction on the same day as the submission of the report?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We of course believe that it is extremely important for the Prime Minister to present the Government's basic direction on how we will proceed with discussions on this matter following the receipt of the report. We have decided to hold a press conference to provide an explanation to the public.

(Abridged)　　

REPORTER: I have a question in relation to the actions to be taken by the Cabinet Legislation Bureau and the ruling parties following the receipt of the report. Does the Prime Minister intend to arrange some event at which he will once again provide an explanation to officials such as Secretary Generals by, for instance, holding a meeting of the Government and ruling parties?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister will hold a press conference to present the Government's basic direction and we will work together with the ruling parties in keeping with the vision presented at the press conference.

REPORTER: Am I then right to understand that the Government does not intend to arrange an additional event?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have no plans to do so.

REPORTER: In relation to this basic direction of the Government, you just said that the Prime Minister will announce exactly what the Government will discuss. Am I right to understand that the Prime Minister will present the Government's discussions in the form of a basic direction regarding the specific circumstances under which the right of collective self-defense and collective security would be applicable?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As for specific circumstances that require the right of collective self-defense and collective security, as I have said on numerous occasions, the security environment surrounding Japan is extremely challenging. We will explain in what way we believe we can best protect the lives and property of the people and ensure national security. We will also present the Government's basic direction on how we will proceed with discussions on this matter.

(Abridged)　

REPORTER: The timing of the submission of the report has drawn a lot of attention. Could you tell us why it is happening now?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Advisory Panel members have remained in close communication in order to make the final arrangements for the creation of the report. We are now in the final stages of the creation of the report.

REPORTER: I understand that following the press conference by the Prime Minister there will be consultations between the Government and the ruling parties. New Komeito still takes a cautious stance towards the right of collective self-defense. In light of this, could you tell us your expectations for the consultations and how the Government intends to obtain their understanding?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We must ask ourselves whether we are capable of protecting the lives and property of the people and also ensuring national security under existing conditions. It is after all the Government's responsibility to ensure national security. Therefore, we will present the Government's basic direction on this matter to seek understanding.

REPORTER: I assume that if the Prime Minister presents specific circumstances when discussing the Government's basic direction, it means he believes that the right of collective self-defense is necessary in those cases. If, however, opposing opinions are expressed in the course of consultations with the ruling parties, is there any possibility of changing those specific circumstances?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have not yet to discuss the matter with the ruling parties. I have said a number of times that we will proceed with this matter while seeking the understanding of the ruling parties.

REPORTER: I assume that you would anticipate some sort of change through consultation. Will there be any room for negotiation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I said, we will work persistently until we obtain understanding from the ruling parties.

REPORTER: U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy will visit Fukushima and inspect the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station on May 14 and 15 for the first time. Could you share with us your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I am aware that Ambassador Kennedy will visit Fukushima Prefecture. I strongly hope that she will have the opportunity to witness the Fukushima residents working proactively and diligently toward reconstruction. Japan is currently receiving a range of technical cooperation from the U.S. for the decommissioning of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. I believe that Ambassador Kennedy's on-site inspection will be significant in this sense too. The Japanese Government will continue to steadily advance the decommissioning of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and gather knowhow from the U.S. and other countries throughout the world to address the issue of contaminated water.

(Abridged)