Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue of the abductions

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the abduction issue. The Japanese delegation will be returning to Japan shortly. Can you please explain how things will proceed from there? Can you also explain how the Japanese Government will be reviewing its next steps?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The delegation will brief the Prime Minister and others after it returns to Japan today. As for the next steps, we will naturally be exploring them upon receiving the report of the delegation. 

REPORTER: I have a related question. Japan has been emphasizing to North Korea that the abduction issue is an absolute priority. During yesterday’s session, the North Korean side explained that it conducted full-scale investigations on the issues of Japanese nationals’ remains. While you have yet to receive a detailed report from the delegation, I was wondering whether there is a chance that the two sides will first work on the issues of Japanese remains, such as realizing their return to Japan? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have not been briefed on what North Korea explained, including on this issue. Today, I hope to receive a detailed report from the delegation. In any case, the abduction issue is obviously an absolute priority. I imagine that the Japanese delegation fully questioned North Korea on this basis. I look forward to receiving a detailed report from the delegation regarding such matters.

(Abridged)