Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved two general and other measures, as well as the draft bills, cabinet orders and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made statements concerning the implementation of Government Consultation Services Week and the holding of the National Governors' Conference.

Q&As

• The Yasukuni Shrine’s Annual Autumn Festival
• The Japan-North Korea consultations on the abduction issue

(Abridged)

REPORTER: With regard to Prime Minister Abe making an offering of a masakaki  votive stick to Yasukuni Shrine for the shrine’s Annual Autumn Festival, could you tell us of your thoughts about this, including the effect it may have on diplomatic relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that the Prime Minister made such an offering. However, this was an action made in a private capacity and therefore is not a matter about which the Government should state an opinion.

REPORTER: I have a related question. The Prime Minister has postponed a visit to Yasukuni Shrine on this occasion and other Cabinet ministers have also yet to visit. Does this reflect some consideration on the Government’s part concerning the prospects for a Japan-China summit meeting at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Not at all. It is my opinion that the Prime Minister will make an appropriate decision on whether to visit Yasukuni Shrine or not. Other Cabinet ministers will also make their own judgments about whether to make visits.

REPORTER: I have a further related question. Are you yourself planning to either visit the shrine or make an offering to coincide with the shrine’s autumn festival?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As a decision on whether or not to visit the shrine is a personal matter, I will not be making such an announcement.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the abduction issue and the Japan-North Korea consultations. With regard to the dispatch of a delegation to North Korea, you have previously stated that the Government would make a decision after hearing the views of parliamentary groups and abduction victims’ families. I believe that the Government heard such opinions yesterday at the meeting of abduction victims’ families and also at a meeting held at party headquarters. There must have been many serious opinions voiced in these meetings. What is the view of the Government concerning the opinions received?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government received various opinions yesterday. While continuing to listen to such opinions from family members and Diet members, the Government wishes to make a comprehensive overall judgment on this issue.

REPORTER: When do you expect that a decision will be made?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: After hearing various opinions, the Prime Minister will come to a final decision on behalf of the Government.