Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved three general measures, draft bills, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, Minister Arimura made a statement concerning the establishment of the Headquarters for Building a Society in Which All Women Shine. The Minister for Foreign Affairs made a statement concerning an emergency grant aid in response to the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West African countries.

During today’s Cabinet meeting, the establishment of the Headquarters for Building a Society in Which All Women Shine was decided. It will be chaired by the Prime Minister, and its work will be undertaken by the Cabinet as a whole. The realization of “a society in which all women shine” is one of the top priorities of the Abe Cabinet. We will tackle the host of issues that stand in the way of women’s active roles, with this headquarters serving as a control tower.

Today, it was decided that State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Akihiro Nishimura would be appointed concurrently to the post of State Minister of Cabinet Office, and that Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Takashi Otsuka would be appointed concurrently to the post of Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Cabinet Office. Both ministers will be supporting Minister Ohta, who is in charge of the development of Specified Complex Tourism Facility Areas.

During the Cabinet meeting today, October 3, it was decided that US$22 million of assistance would be extended to six international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), in response to the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West African countries. This assistance will be implemented as a part of the new assistance of US$40 million that Prime Minister Abe announced at the United Nations General Assembly. Along with preventing the spread of infection in affected countries, this assistance will also include the provision of health and hygiene care to those infected, as well as respond to basic needs by ensuring food and means of transport. I understand that alongside the Government’s assistance, arrangements are being made for Toyota Motor Corporation’s donation of a number of vehicles to the WHO for transporting patients, conducting activities to spread awareness about the disease, and other purposes.

Q&As

• The issue regarding the protests in Hong Kong
• The issue of the Japan-U.S. defense cooperation guidelines
• The issue of comfort women
• The reinvestigation of Japanese abductees

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the protests in Hong Kong. When President Obama and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi of China held talks the other day, President Obama expressed support for the protests. Foreign Minister Wang Yi objected, saying that the United States was interfering in China’s internal affairs. Can you please once again explain Japan’s view regarding the protests in Hong Kong? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to Japan’s basic view, Japan has an extremely close economic relationship with Hong Kong. The future of Hong Kong is a matter of great concern to Japan as well. Japan perceives that Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability play a major role for prosperity and development not only in China, but also in the entire Asia-Pacific region, including Japan. Japan strongly hopes that Hong Kong’s free and open system under the one country, two systems structure will continue to be maintained as has been the case up to the present day, and that the close relationship between Japan and Hong Kong will also be maintained.

REPORTER: I have a related question. The Hong Kong police have hinted at the possibility of a police crackdown, and tensions are running very high. What sort of responses is Japan seeking from Hong Kong authorities?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from making specific comments regarding the affairs of other countries, including the earlier question concerning President Obama. Japan’s position is as I stated moments ago.

REPORTER: According to media reports, Japanese and U.S. Government officials will be providing prior explanations to the Republic of Korea (ROK) regarding the interim report on the so-called Japan-U.S. defense cooperation guidelines. Is this true? What is the aim of this? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, regarding the explanations to the ROK, the relevant ministries are currently working hard to compile the interim report. I am not aware yet of what was explained specifically.

REPORTER: Are there plans to provide explanations going forward?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It has not been decided yet. I imagine that it will be decided based on these circumstances.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the Asahi Shimbun’s reports on the issue of “comfort women.” Threat letters have been sent to two universities where two former reporters who were involved in the reports are working at. What is your reaction to this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of the details on whether or not this is true. Such threats or any similar acts are not acceptable.

REPORTER: Yesterday, Director-General Ihara of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Special Representative of the Secretary of State for North Korea Policy Davies of the United States held talks. I understand that Director-General Ihara explained that Japan was requested to visit North Korea for its reinvestigations of Japanese abductees, and that Special Representative Davies expressed his understanding. Based on the U.S. understanding, how will the Government be determining when to dispatch Japanese officials to North Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is not aware whether the two sides discussed this matter in detail, or whether the U.S. side expressed understanding. In any case, the Abe administration considers the abduction issue a top priority. Our position remains unchanged that Japan will continue to request North Korea to provide explanations. The Government is now in the stage of working quickly to review our specific course of action.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Do you expect to determine the dispatch period by as early as the end of this week or next week?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government will be working quickly to consider it. We have not yet decided on when or any other such details.