Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Japan-North Korea Government-Level consultations
• The Director-General-Level consultations between Japan and ROK

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the Japan-North Korea Government-level consultations. A short while ago, the Japanese delegation returned to Japan, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kishida held a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). I understand that the North Korean side provided a detailed explanation on the composition and other details of the Special Investigation Committee. I gather that the reliability and viability of the Special Investigation Committee was at the top of the list of concerns of the Japanese Government. What is your perception of these aspects at this point in time? Also, can you please once again share with us the schedule of measures the Government will take following the delegation’s briefing to the Prime Minister?    

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: I was informed that the North Korean side carefully explained the organization, composition, and person in charge of the Special Investigation Committee. However, at this stage, as the delegation has just returned to Japan with this information, I would like to refrain from making any assessments of the consultations at this point in time. As you are aware, today the Prime Minister is visiting areas that were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Therefore, the Prime Minister will be briefed after returning to Tokyo this evening. In addition, tomorrow, the relevant ministers will meet to examine the outcome of the consultations one more time and then decide on the response of the Government. This is all I can say at this point in time.  

REPORTER: My question is about security legislation. I understand that a working team for the development of the legislation was established within the National Security Council. At the same time, my understanding is that a similar team exists within the Ministry of Defense (MOD). How are roles divided between the two working teams?   

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: This is not really a matter of a division of roles. The MOD obviously has its own role to play and is the ministry with jurisdiction over the Self-Defense Forces. At the same time, the Prime Minister’s Office has its own roles it must fulfill while keeping an eye on both the diplomatic and defense situations. Therefore, I imagine that the team at the Prime Minister’s Office will be leading the efforts, while coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies, including the MOD.  

REPORTER: While I realize that the team at the Prime Minister’s Office was launched just yesterday, can you please tell us when the first meeting will be held, as well as the team’s schedule or anything else that is currently foreseen?   

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: As the team was just launched, at this present stage I cannot give you its itinerary. However, I do not expect things to proceed at a slow pace.

REPORTER: In connection with the Japan-North Korea Government-level consultations, you noted earlier that relevant ministers would be meeting tomorrow to decide on the response of Japan. What will be the determining factors per se in Japan’s response? I assume one determining factor will be whether or not North Korea has created a viable organization. However, what will the ministers be discussing exactly? What will be the determining factors?    

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: The ministers will be discussing the assessment of the information that Director-General Ihara of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of MOFA has returned to Japan with regarding the organization, composition, person in charge, and other aspects of the Special Investigation Committee, as was explained to him by North Korea. I believe this is what it comes down to. 

REPORTER: Yesterday, separately, and perhaps on the backdrop of the Japan-North Korea Government-level consultations, Japan-China director-general-level consultations were also held in Beijing, China. First, what was the meaning and aim behind holding Japan-China consultations at a time when the Japan-China relationship is poor? Secondly, did Japan explain to China the Cabinet decision that was approved yesterday regarding the right of collective self-defense?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: On the 1st, Director-General Ihara of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau held director-general-level consultations with Director-General Kong Xuanyou of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Government of Japan considers it important to hold a series of dialogues and exchanges at various levels, with the director-general-level consultations being part of this. Other examples of dialogues and exchanges of various sectors and levels include those conducted by senior members of the Liberal Democratic Party, those conducted by parliamentary leagues, and those conducted by the business community. It is important to ensure that such dialogues and exchanges ultimately lead to dialogues at higher political levels. The latest director-general-level consultations were part of this effort. With regard to the specific details of the consultations, I would like to refrain from responding as these were diplomatic exchanges.  

REPORTER: Meanwhile, the director-general-level consultations between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have been postponed since the findings of the study on the Kono Statement were released last month, and it is unlikely that the consultations will resume anytime soon. What are the prospects?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: In response to a request from the Diet, a study of the Kono Statement was carried out with the assistance of intellectuals regarding the process leading up to the formulation of the Statement, a process about which there were uncertainties in Japan. Our stance on the Kono Statement remains unchanged, and we would like to ask for the ROK’s understanding in this regard. Our door for dialogue is always open, not only at the director-general level but also at the summit level. Japan is always eager to hold dialogue. Therefore, we hope that the ROK understands our position, and that extensive dialogues can be held at various levels.