Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the statement that the Prime Minister will make to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. I believe the second meeting of the Advisory Panel on the History of the 20th Century and on Japan’s Role and the World Order in the 21st Century is scheduled for later today. I believe the topic of discussion will be “What are your perspectives on the path the world and Japan took during the 20th century,” which was one of five points of discussion that the Prime Minister presented during the first meeting. What kind of debate are you hoping to see?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Regarding this Advisory Panel, during his opening remarks at the first meeting the Prime Minister presented five points of discussion and requested that the members hold vigorous debate on these matters. Today, they will discuss the first point, which is “What are your perspectives on the path the world and Japan took during the 20th century? What are the lessons that we should draw from our experiences in the 20th century?” Likewise, discussion will be carried out through the five stages. The members span a broad spectrum that includes historians, politicians, business people, and scholars in politics and economics, consisting of both men and women, and I hope that they will hold vigorous discussion on these subjects, while expressing a variety of opinions. 

(Abridged)