Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Japan- North Korea consultations
• The comment made by LDP member on twitter
• The issue concerning the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the Japan-North Korea consultations. Today, a briefing was held for the members of the Association of the Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea on the heels of the recent Japan-North Korea consultations. During the briefing, I understand that many members of the Association requested that the Government act carefully on the subject of visiting North Korea, worrying that Japan will be forced to go along with North Korea’s pace. I would like to once again ask what your intentions are with respect to the investigation team, if I can call it so. That is, who will be dispatched to North Korea and how?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: I understand that today, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) gave an explanation to the members of the Association, and that a variety of opinions were expressed in regard to this. I recognize that a variety of opinions was also expressed regarding the visit to North Korea. In any case, bearing in mind North Korea’s latest explanation, Japan deems that it needs to find out the current status and results of the investigations. We will make utmost efforts to this end. While keeping in mind the opinions received today from the members of the Association, the Government as a whole will quickly review and determine the specific course of action.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Is it possible that a politician, say Prime Minister Abe or Minister for Foreign Affairs Kishida, will be visiting North Korea related to this matter?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: A visit to North Korea by the Prime Minister or the Minister for Foreign Affairs is not under consideration.

REPORTER: So basically, the chances are high that it will be working-level MOFA officials currently engaged in the negotiations led by the Director-General who will be visiting North Korea?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: The question of who will be dispatched is among the matters that we will be considering carefully.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding this matter. As was asked in the first question, many members of the Association requested that the Government review this matter carefully. Is my understanding correct that the Government’s decision to dispatch officials itself is basically confirmed? 

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: No, that is among the matters we will be deciding. However, North Korea explained during the latest meeting that the situation would become a little clearer if Japanese officials go to North Korea and meet with the members of the Special Investigation Committee. As we consider it critically important to find out the current status of the investigations, we will make a final decision based on a comprehensive consideration of such aspects.

REPORTER: I have a related question. A short while ago, you stated that the Government would quickly decide on its plan. Through what sort of channels and by around when will this be decided?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: This process involves various stages. Ultimately, I believe a decision will be made at the ministerial level or by the Prime Minister. At this time, we have not yet decided how a decision will be made.

REPORTER: Ms. Satsuki Katayama of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Chairwoman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense of the House of Councillors, posted on Twitter that as a result of the review of government programs carried out during the Democratic Party of Japan-led government, Mt. Ontake had been removed from the list of mountains which are monitored around the clock. This post has come under fire. Does the Government perceive the content of this Twitter post to be true?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: First of all, let me just give you the facts. In Japan, there are 110 active volcanoes. Of those volcanoes, 47 active volcanoes, including Mt. Ontake, are monitored 24/7. With regard to your question, Mt. Ontake has been monitored around the clock continuously since 1988 through today. These are the facts.

REPORTER: Then that would make Ms. Katayama’s Twitter post erroneous. It seems that this matter is being deliberated at the LDP Diet Affairs Committee. Will the Government be taking any measures? Or is there anything that the Government is requesting the ruling parties to do with respect to Ms. Katayama?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: The Government would like to refrain from commenting on statements made on the Internet by individual Diet members. With regard to the kind of responses that you just mentioned, I gather that this will be decided based on discussions carried out at the Diet. In any case, the readiness for observing volcanoes, including Mt. Ontake, is a critical matter that concerns the lives and safety of Japanese citizens. The Government will therefore continue to take adequate responses.

REPORTER: I would like to once again ask about the rapidly weakening yen in recent days. The dollar temporarily topped 110 yen. Can I please ask you to comment on this?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: The Government would like to refrain from commenting on matters such as exchange rate levels. As the Prime Minister stated in New York, a weakening yen has both positive and negative effects. In particular, effects such as spiraling prices of fuel and other commodities are affecting local economies and small- and medium-sized enterprises. For this reason, we need to carefully follow the situation. In any case, we will continue to execute appropriate monetary policies, fiscal policies, and the growth strategy to strengthen the growth potential and exit deflation, thereby revitalizing the Japanese economy. In addition, we will closely follow exchange market trends.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets. I understand that today the Government communicated to the LDP that December 10 will be the date of enforcement of the Act. This date just barely made the cut-off date, as the date of enforcement had to be within one year of the date of promulgation of the Act. Does this mean that the Government wished to have a sufficient preparation period? Please tell us what the aim was in deciding to enforce the Act on December 10. 

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: The Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets sets out that the Act shall enter into force by December 12 of this year. Right now, arrangements are being made within the ruling parties, and the Government, to set the date of enforcement for December 10. The Act sets out that adequate preparations shall be made before the Act’s entry into force in accordance with the law. December 10 falls within the scope of the period laid out by law. This timeframe will allow us to make adequate preparations and have the Act enter into force on December 10.

REPORTER: I have a related question. I recall the LDP explaining that on October 10, the operation criteria will be approved by the Cabinet. Were such detailed explanations provided?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: With regard to the upcoming schedule, as of now, we aim to adopt a Cabinet decision in early October. Arrangements are currently being made within the ruling parties and the Government. In any case, we will continue to steadily proceed with the enforcement preparations to be able to appropriately and effectively execute the Act. In particular, we will be fully accountable to the Japanese citizens and strive to deepen their understanding of the Act.

REPORTER: I have one more related question. During the public comment procedure, an unprecedented amount, over 20,000, comments were received. I think this goes to show that there remains strong public concern and opposition to the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets. What is your opinion in this regard?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: We will properly consolidate the opinions received from the public comment procedure, have experts also go through the comments, and reflect on them. In any case, we will proceed in an earnest manner while abiding by what was decided by law. In this process, we will be fully accountable to the people and strive to deepen people’s understanding.