Ad hoc press conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary on the Japanese hostages in Syria

I will now conduct an ad hoc press conference.
A photograph has circulated on the Internet of Mr. Kenji Goto holding photographs of a Japanese national who has been killed, appearing to be Mr. Haruna Yukawa.  Such an act is an unpardonable, abhorrent outrage that I strongly condemn.  I strongly urge that no harm be inflicted upon the other Japanese national, Mr. Kenji Goto, and that he be released immediately.  I immediately instructed the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary for Crisis Management and the Secretary General of the National Security Secretariat to engage in a thoroughgoing response, including gathering information in cooperation with the relevant ministries and agencies.  I also intend to convene a Ministerial Council shortly.  That is all.