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 three general measures, a cabinet order, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, Prime Minister Abe made a statement concerning the appointment of the Minister in charge of Water Cycle Policy. The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism made a statement concerning the Senior Vice Minister and Parliamentary Secretary who will support the Minister in charge of Water Cycle Policy. The Minister for Foreign Affairs made a statement concerning the Emergency Grant Aid to South Sudan Refugees and IDPs. The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism also made a statement concerning personnel affairs of the heads of special companies. I made a statement concerning acting Ministers while Ministers in charge are away on overseas visits.

I have an announcement regarding the issuance of an official announcement regarding the post of Minister in charge of Hydrological Cycle Policy. Pursuant to the Basic Act on Water Cycle Policy promulgated this past April 2, we have decided to ask Minister Ohta to assume the post of Minister in charge of Hydrological Cycle Policy effective today, in order to promote measures related to hydrological cycles in a focused and comprehensive manner.

Q&As

• The testimony made by Mr. Yoshida, the former Plant Chief for Fukushima Nuclear Plant
• The declaration of martial law by Thai army

REPORTER: Asahi Shimbun has recently published a record of the hearing that the Government’s Investigation Committee on the Accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Stations conducted with Mr. Masao Yoshida, the Plant Chief for Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. My first question is, while the record of the hearing was kept off-record until now, does the Government have any plans to disclose it in the future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government’s Investigation Committee on the Accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Stations conducted hearings with various stakeholders with their voluntary cooperation on the basis that their testimonies would be kept off-record. The records of the hearings, including the record of the hearing with former Plant Chief Yoshida, are not intended for disclosure to the public. With regard to this record that Asahi Shimbun allegedly obtained, the Government does not know the content of this record, and I cannot say whether it matches with the content of the record in the Government’s possession.    

(Abridged)

REPORTER: (Abridged) Given that facts of such grave importance have come to light, I think that the Government should disclose the record and have discussions (abridged) among a broad section of the public. Are you still going to simply maintain your position that the hearing was conducted on the basis that the testimonies would be kept off-record and that the Government does not know?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government’s Investigation Committee on the Accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Stations as well as the National Diet of Japan Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission (NAIIC) recommended that the Government implement safety measures for nuclear power stations and continue to investigate the cause of the accident. The Government will obviously work hard to address these recommendations. With regard to Mr. Yoshida, from the beginning, it was established that all records would not be disclosed. However, the NAIIC and other such relevant parties have read the testimonies. Nevertheless the testimonies were provided on the condition that they would be kept off-record to third parties. It is a matter of course that, based on the circumstances at the time, the Government is taking measures to ensure that the people never experience such an incident again. (Abridged) From the very beginning, the hearings were conducted on the basis that the testimonies would be kept off-record. As such, I do not see any problem.

(Abridged)  

REPORTER: In Thailand, the army declared martial law. What is the reaction of the Japanese Government, and what responses will you be taking for Japanese nationals in the country?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, we are monitoring developments in Thailand with great concern. The Government of Japan once again urges all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from violence, and expresses its strong hope that they resolve their differences peacefully through democratic process and sincere dialogue. As before, the Japanese Government will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals and Japanese companies in the country.    

(Abridged)