Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue regarding the report of Special Repporteur Coomaraswamy

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question that also came up during this morning’s press conference. It is about the Report of Special Rapporteur Radhika Coomaraswamy. You said that the Government asked for the partial retraction of the report. However, the report discusses a variety of matters. For example, the report briefly discusses the testimony made by Mr. Seiji Yoshida. It also uses the term “sexual slavery.” Furthermore, it discusses the issue of official public apology and many other matters. Can you tell us which parts of the report the Government asked to be retracted, if you are aware of this?     

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, with regard to the process leading up to the retraction request, our basic view is that The Asahi Shimbun admitted that its past articles regarding the “comfort women” issue were erroneous and retracted them. Accordingly, the Government explained the situation carefully to Ms. Coomaraswamy and asked that she revise the opinion that is presented in the report. 

REPORTER: To confirm then, does that mean the Government asked for the retraction of only the parts dealing with Mr. Seiji Yoshida? I believe there are many other parts of the report on which opinions differ between the Japanese Government and the report.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Japanese Government has continued to state its view that Japan does not agree with the facts and legal discussion contained in the report. The Government also explained to Ms. Coomaraswamy the activities of the Asian Women’s Fund, as well as Japan’s efforts to promote the human rights of women.

(Abridged)