Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The reduction of the effective corporate tax rate
• The issue of comfort women

REPORTER: The Prime Minister announced a reduction in the effective rate of corporate tax earlier today. Firstly, could you tell us how this conclusion was reached?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to corporate tax, the Prime Minister stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the Government would set about further reform on corporate tax. The Government and ruling parties have engaged in numerous discussions since then. As a result, we have now narrowed down the specific statements to be included in the Basic Policies for Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform. In light of this, the Government now has the clear policy to aim for a corporate tax rate in the 20% range from next fiscal year onward, in order to revitalize the Japanese economy.

REPORTER: I understand that the Government is aiming to reduce the corporate tax rate into the 20% range gradually over the next few years. How many years exactly are you envisioning?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Personally, I think the earlier the better; but I believe that the corporate tax rate will be reduced once the necessary discussions, such as on securing a tax base, have been completed. I do not believe it is so far in the future.

(Abridged)　

REPORTER: Did you discuss anything specific about tax revenue during today's consultations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No, we did not discuss anything specific. Regardless, at this point, I think that it is perhaps unusual for the Government to announce something specific. The announcement was rather detailed, and the Basic Policies do not usually include such detail, I believe. Therefore, we will engage in further consultations in line with what was announced today, with the aim of fleshing out the details by the end of the year.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning comfort women. The 2nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea delivered a speech at the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, which is currently underway in London. During his speech, the 2nd Vice Minister expressed concern over the so-called "comfort women" issue, and made a comment to the effect that he urges Japan to resolve the issue. Could you share with us your thoughts on this? Could you also tell us what the Japanese Government intends to do?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As far as I have been informed, the purpose of the summit is to discuss the issue of sexual violence in the context of ongoing and future conflicts. It was in this context that the comments were made, and our views are as we have previously stated.

REPORTER: In short, do you believe that his comments were not appropriate in light of the purpose of the summit?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No, I do not think the comments were appropriate.

(Abridged)