Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The relocation of the U.S. Bases in Okinawa
• The first report of the Special Investigation Committee
• The situation in Ukraine
• Bangladesh’s withdrawal of candidature for a non-permanent seat in UN Security Council
• The revised estimates of the GDP
• The radioactive materials flowing into the ocean
• The cabinet approval rating
• The issue of TPP negotiation

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the Nago City Assembly elections that were held in Okinawa Prefecture yesterday. Among the elected members were 16 people who are opposed to the relocation of the U.S. Forces’ Futenma Air Station to Henoko in Nago City, which is the plan that the Government is going forward with. These 16 people make up the majority of the City Assembly. Following on from the Nago mayoral election in January, these elections have clearly shown that public opinion is against the relocation of Futenma to Henoko in Nago City. What is your reaction? Can you also tell us how you expect the election results to affect the gubernatorial election in November? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, although I am aware of the election results, I would like to refrain from commenting on behalf of the Government. We are aware that different people in Nago City have different opinions. The Government and Okinawa Prefecture share a common view that we must not allow Futenma Air Station to remain at its current location indefinitely. The Government has stated from before that the relocation to Henoko is the only viable solution in view of removing the dangers posed by Futenma and maintaining the deterrence of the U.S. Forces. Based on Governor Nakaima’s recent approval of the land reclamation for the Futenma Replacement Facility, the Government will continue to work to alleviate the burden shouldered by the people in Okinawa Prefecture and make every effort to realize the return of Futenma Air Station as quickly as possible. We will steadily proceed with the relocation to Henoko.  

REPORTER: You stated that the Government would steadily proceed with the relocation. However, candidates who oppose the relocation won many seats in the elections in Nago City, the host city. How will the Government be obtaining local understanding? This issue will be contested once again during the gubernatorial election in November. Is there a possibility that you will review the relocation to Henoko again based on the results of the gubernatorial election?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, I presume that the candidates competed in the elections on a number of policy platforms, including the local economy. The election results are an outcome of these platforms. I think the City Assembly even gained a member who is a proponent of the relocation. A variety of predictions can be made about the results. Nevertheless, the Government has already received the Governor’s approval of the land reclamation for the relocation to Henoko. Indeed, as I stated moments ago, the view of the Government remains unchanged that the relocation to Henoko is the only viable solution in view of removing the dangers posed by Futenma Air Station and the deterrence of the U.S. Forces. Therefore, based on the Governor’s approval of the land reclamation that was received for the first time in 18 years at the end of last year, the Government will steadily proceed with the relocation work.  

REPORTER: I have a related question. Since the Nago mayoral election four years ago, local public opinion against the relocation of the base was shown vividly in two mayoral elections and two City Assembly elections. I think the local public opinion as demonstrated in the latest election results needs to be taken seriously. Chief Cabinet Secretary, do you believe that the local public opinion needs to be respected or is that not the case?   

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated moments ago, I think this individual issue was not the sole determining factor for the outcome of the City Assembly elections. It was the result of the various policy platforms on which the candidates fought the elections, such as what to do with the local economy and the suitability of the candidates as representatives of their communities.

REPORTER: I have a question on this matter. From what you just said, is it correct to understand that you are saying that the outcome of the Okinawa gubernatorial election in November will not directly affect the decision of whether or not to go forward with the relocation of the base to Henoko?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes, that is what I think. That is to say, as I have stated repeatedly, this is the only viable solution to removing the dangers posed by Futenma Air Station. No matter how you look at it, I am sure everyone would agree that the base is currently located right in the center of a residential area. For many years, the people in Okinawa Prefecture have wished for the removal of the base as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the Government has considered that the relocation of Futenma is the only solution in view of maintaining the deterrence of the U.S. Forces, among other factors. Under these circumstances, we received Governor Nakaima’s approval of the land reclamation at the end of last year. Therefore, the position of the Government remains unchanged. We will steadily proceed with the relocation in accordance with the law.  

REPORTER: If I may I have a question concerning this issue. It remains a possibility that the host area will be divided into those in favor of and those against the base relocation. However, the Government does not consider this a point of contention. Is this what you are saying?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As we have already received the Governor’s approval of the land reclamation, we will steadily proceed with the relocation in accordance with the law.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Minister in charge of the Abduction Issue Yamatani stated on a TV program over the weekend that North Korea will submit the first report of the Special Investigation Committee by the end of this month. Does this mean that the Government has received information suggesting that this will be the case?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of this. However, the first report was scheduled to be submitted between the end of the summer and early autumn. I am sure everyone interprets “early autumn” differently. We have not yet been informed that it will be this month.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Was the statement the Minister’s personal opinion or was she expressing her hope?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I gather that this was the Minister’s interpretation of “from the end of the summer to early autumn.”

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the situation in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Government and pro-Russian forces have agreed on a ceasefire. Nevertheless, fighting seems to be continuing in some areas. What is the Japanese Government’s assessment of the current situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, the Government of Japan welcomes the ceasefire agreement. Japan hopes that a lasting ceasefire is indeed realized in accordance with the agreement, and that both Russia and Ukraine work towards its realization. Russian military units are allegedly crossing into Ukraine. Japan believes it is important that these units withdraw from Ukrainian territory. In this sense, Japan will closely follow the situation.

REPORTER: Regarding this issue, the European Union (EU) is considering strengthening its sanctions against Russia. How will this affect the Japanese Government’s sanctions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The position of Japan has been consistent, which is that the Government will determine its position and approach in coordination with the EU.

REPORTER: During the recent overseas visit of the Prime Minister, Bangladesh announced that it would withdraw its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council. It is now considered likely that Japan will secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Can you first give us your comments?   

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the Prime Minister visited Bangladesh in the hopes of fully keeping on track the Comprehensive Partnership that was launched during the visit to Japan by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Japan and Bangladesh have historically enjoyed good relations. In recognition of this, Prime Minister Hasina announced that Bangladesh would withdraw its candidature from the Security Council election. Japan deeply appreciates and highly praises Prime Minister Hasina’s announcement. Japan views that Bangladesh’s decision will further deepen bilateral relations, which are about to enter a new dimension.   

REPORTER: In connection with this matter, can you explain what role you think Japan should play if it secures a non-permanent seat?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister promotes the policy of proactive peace diplomacy based on the principle of international cooperation. Accordingly, in each region Japan will work towards promoting a path of a peace-loving nation, a course Japan has followed for nearly 70 years since the end of World War II.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the revised estimates of the gross domestic product (GDP) for the April-June quarter that the Cabinet Office released today. The GDP shrank 1.8% compared to the previous year in real terms, excluding price fluctuations, and shrank an annualized 7.1%. This was a steeper decline than the drop in the January-March quarter in 2011 when the Great East Japan Earthquake took place and was the deepest plunge since the January-March quarter in 2009 following the global financial crisis. The Prime Minister will be deciding whether or not to increase the consumption tax again at the end of this year. How will these estimates affect his decision-making?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the margin of this year’s consumption tax increase was larger than the margin of the previous consumption tax increase, and this contributed to the large last-minute rise in demand. In this regard, the reaction after the last-minute rise in demand is likely resulting in these GDP estimates. We view that the Japanese economy is on a moderate recovery trend. The perception of the economy presented in the Monthly Economic Report and other reports remain unchanged. We will continue to carefully follow private consumption trends, including long-term risks of the reaction to the consumption tax increase. With regard to the decision on the 10% consumption tax, as I have stated a number of times, the Prime Minister will make a decision based on a comprehensive assessment of the economic situation, including July-September data. This position remains unchanged. 

REPORTER: I have a question about the radioactive materials that have been flowing into the ocean from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. It has come to light that as much as two trillion Bq in total of strontium-90 and cesium-137 were most likely released into the bay of the power station during the ten months from August of last year to May of this year. The bay and the surrounding sea area face many problems with pollution, pollution management, and so forth. What are your thoughts regarding this situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, I understand that the study of the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) was released provisionally and that revisions may be made to the data in the future. Speaking on this basis, it has been reported that the amount exceeds by ten times the limit on radioactive material releases that TEPCO set prior to the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Although there have indeed been individual incidents, such as leakage from the water storage tank, monitoring the situation has shown that the effects of radioactive materials have been fully contained within the bay of the power station. We deem that the overall situation is under control.

REPORTER: This afternoon, the Committee on Strengthening Collaboration between Haneda Airport’s Surrounding Area and the Keihin Coastal Area chaired by Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Izumi will be holding its first meeting. The Government’s Growth Strategy attaches significant importance to the Haneda area and the Keihin coastal area. This meeting will be held among officials from the Government, relevant ministries and agencies, and local governments. What are your expectations for the meeting, if any?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, projects are currently under way at Haneda to increase the number of international flights and strengthen the functions of the airport. The surrounding area of Haneda Airport as well as the Keihin coastal area are designated as a National Strategic Economic Growth Area that is part of the “Tokyo area.” We expect that both the Tokyo and Kanagawa areas will collaborate to make considerable contributions towards increasing the international competitiveness of Japan. My understanding is that in this light, the Committee was established as a forum for officials from relevant national and local organizations to jointly examine specific measures for strengthening collaborations between the two areas, and the Committee will hold its first meeting today. In this context, I would naturally anticipate discussions to take place on matters such as the vacant lot at Haneda Airport, the building of a connecting road in the Tonomachi area of Kawasaki City, wide-area cooperation in the Tokyo Bay area, and the simultaneous start of the construction work for National Route 357’s Tamagawa tunnel that would contribute to improving access to Haneda Airport.  

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question in regard to FNN’s opinion poll. The Cabinet’s approval rating increased by four percentage points to about 56%. About 60% of those polled “praised” the appointment of female Cabinet members. Also, Minister Ishiba topped the list of Cabinet members for whom the people had high expectations. Can you please comment on these results?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, as I have stated, a higher approval rating is better than a lower one. The Prime Minister’s written instructions contained seven items that the administration should be pursuing. In my view, it is important that the Cabinet continues to work single-mindedly towards the realization of such goals.

REPORTER: My question has to do with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Yesterday, Minister in charge of Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy in Japan Ishiba described the negotiations on an NHK program as follows. He said, “We are not liars and will never engage in negotiations that would remove all tariffs on rice, wheat and barley, beef, pork, dairy products, and sugar and starch crops.” Looking at the current state of the negotiations, I cannot help wondering if it will really be the case that the Government “will never engage in negotiations that would remove all tariffs.” Can you please comment on this? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have stated from before, the Government takes seriously the Diet’s resolution regarding the so-called five sensitive products. Serious negotiations that take into account Japan’s national interests are indeed ongoing. Minister Amari, as the Minister at the forefront of the negotiations, continues to engage in negotiations as firmly as possible.

REPORTER: I have an additional question. Is Mr. Ishiba’s statement, “we will never engage in negotiations that would remove all tariffs,” consistent with the Government’s current position on the negotiations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not see any inconsistency.