Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
・The underground bypass of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
・The issue concerning the reform of the Government Pension Investment Fund

REPORTER: I have a question about countermeasures for the contaminated water issue. The underground bypass of Tokyo Electric Power Company’s (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station began operation today. Do you believe this bypass can achieve the anticipated results of resolving the contaminated water issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, preparations have been made for some time to ensure that the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station’s underground bypass prevents groundwater from flowing into the nuclear reactor building. We received a report from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry that TEPCO decided to begin operating the underground bypass today after it had checked the quality of the underground water that had accumulated inside the water storage tank and found that operational targets were met. Given that fishery operators and other related parties have made the difficult decision to accept this, the Government’s stance is to have the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry give rigorous guidance to ensure that the operation of the underground bypass complies with its operational targets. As the matter of underground water is an extremely critical issue, I believe that gaining the understanding of all related parties will serve as a highly positive example when thinking about future measures. 

REPORTER: I have a related question. As part of the countermeasures for the contaminated water issue, in addition to the underground bypass, a variety of other measures are required. What stance will the Government take in addressing these issues? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The operation of the underground bypass will greatly lessen the workload of the overall water contamination countermeasures. This means that more efforts can be dedicated to other areas, which will help to create an environment where the general public can feel greater peace of mind. In this sense, I believe progress is being made. 

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The recommendations call for the urgent establishment of a robust governance system with regard to Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), and an acceleration of the review process, including the need for legal amendments by the Government. Will the Government consider formulating a bill for reforming the organization and structure of the GPIF?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: GPIF reform was also mentioned by the Prime Minister at the Davos meeting. There is no change to the Government’s stance of thoroughly carrying out this reform. 

REPORTER: The recommendation of the expert panel was to amend laws and create a Board of Directors for the GPIF. Does the Government intend to carry out legal revisions in line with this recommendation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe it is important to first carry out all measures that can readily be accomplished. In any case, the Government would like to make thorough efforts, such that it is clear to everyone that GPIF reform did indeed take place.