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 27 general and other measures, as well as the promulgation of a treaty and legislation, cabinet orders and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the Japan Broadcasting Corporation's financial statement and operational report for FY2013 and the opinions of the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, etc. The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology made statements concerning the following: the report on Japan Science and Technology Agency programs for innovative new technology research and development in FY2013 and the opinions of the minister; the report on grants of the Research Center for Science System, the dispatch of researchers overseas, and academic research grants by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science in FY2013 and the opinions of the minister; and the report on the uses of income from the Japan Sports Council's FY2013 sports promotion vote and the opinions of the minister. Minister Arimura made a statement concerning the implementation of Crime Victims’ Week FY2014.

Q&As

• The issue of the dissolution of the Diet

REPORTER: Did the Cabinet approve the dissolution of the Diet?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The dissolution of the Diet is not something that is spoken about until the dissolution is actually implemented. I will leave it up to your imagination.

REPORTER: On a related note, can we assume therefore that all the Cabinet ministers signed a Cabinet decision on the dissolution of the Diet?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I just noted it is general practice to not speak about such matters. I suggest that you use your imagination concerning what took place.

REPORTER: On a related note, did the Prime Minister make any comments in the Cabinet meeting or in ministerial discussions after the Cabinet meeting concerning the dissolution?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister did make comments concerning dissolution. The details of these comments will be announced later.

REPORTER: What was the Prime Minister’s expression like as he spoke about the dissolution of the Diet in the Cabinet meeting and in ministerial discussions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I sit on the right-hand side of the Prime Minister during the Cabinet meeting and ministerial discussions, I am not in a position to see his expressions clearly.

REPORTER: Did the Prime Minister offer words of inspiration or encouragement to ministers, looking ahead to the election?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The dissolution of the Diet has still not taken place, but naturally it can be assumed that if the Diet is dissolved the Prime Minister would offer such words of encouragement, yes.

REPORTER: In anticipation of the Diet being dissolved, how would you characterize this dissolution? In what terms would you describe it?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister has until now engaged with a strong sense of purpose to exit deflation and revitalize the economy. If the Diet is dissolved the Prime Minister will hold a press conference, where he will offer his own remarks.

REPORTER: I have a further related question. From yesterday and into today the Prime Minister has been calling Cabinet members who are members of the House of Representatives individually to his office and has apparently been issuing instructions to them, most likely about election arrangements. What instructions has the Prime Minister issued?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have no idea.

REPORTER: So you have not been called to the Prime Minister’s Office yourself?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Unfortunately, I have not, no.

REPORTER: From today to all intents and purposes the election campaign will begin. Can you tell us again what the ruling parties will be emphasizing in their election campaigns?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Diet has not yet been dissolved, so I would like to refrain from commenting on such matters.

REPORTER: I believe that if everything runs according to schedule procedures to dissolve the Diet will be implemented this afternoon. What were your feelings this morning in advance of the dissolution?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have been involved in many dissolutions until now, but I nevertheless always approach such matters with a sense of urgency and seek to respond to all possibilities.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question assuming that the Diet is dissolved later today and an election campaign is initiated. According to an opinion poll implemented by our company, 65 percent of respondents indicated that they were not convinced by the reasons for the dissolution of the House of Representatives. How will you seek the understanding of the people with regard to this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Diet has still not yet been dissolved, but I imagine that if it is we would be able to explain the reasons to the public in a way that would be readily understood.

REPORTER: This question is predicated on there being an election. Have you or the Prime Minister issued any instructions to ministers, state ministers and parliamentary vice-ministers concerning balancing their duties as ministers compatible with conducting election campaigns?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The organs of the Government continue to function during election time, and it is only natural that the ministers would continue to engage in their assigned duties and also in election campaign activities.

REPORTER: I believe that parliamentary vice-ministers in particular will be eager to return to their constituencies. Have you issued any advice concerning such movements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have not issued any instructions or advice. However, each ministry and agency already has structures in place to respond to times when a minister, state minister, or a parliamentary vice-minister is not present. These include ensuring that if a member from the House of Representatives is not present, the duties in question will be conducted by a member from the House of Councillors, or ensuring that the minister who is away can immediately be contacted in an emergency. This structure will remain in place and I do not foresee any problems.