Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• German airliner accident
• Japan-China relations
• Comfort women issue

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the German airliner accident. Could you tell us about the two Japanese nationals listed as having been on the airplane and the latest information about their safety?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As of now the Government has not received any new information concerning the safety of the two Japanese nationals. I have received a report that the crash site is in a mountainous area, which is making search and rescue operations difficult. The current situation is that the Government is continuing to make every effort to collect information about the safety of the Japanese nationals.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning Japan-China relations. At the annual meeting of the Japan-China Parliamentary Friendship Association held yesterday, the Chinese ambassador to Japan gave a speech in which he noted that the ceremony planned to be held in China this autumn to commemorate the 70th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is for the purpose of remembering history, cherishing peace and opening up a path to the future. He stated that the ceremony was not targeted at contemporary Japan. Do you consider that both countries are now coming to share the position and view of the Government of Japan that it is not constructive to focus on the past?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any event, the Government’s stance on this matter has remained consistent and I would have thought that the 70th anniversary of the end of the war would be viewed by any country as an important opportunity to discuss ways to further advance global peace and prosperity.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the comfort women issue. Some press reports are suggesting that at the time of the Vietnam War, the military of the Republic of Korea (ROK) operated a comfort women station inside Vietnam. The Government of the ROK has repeatedly criticized the Government of Japan concerning the comfort women issue, but if these reports are true it would mean that the ROK has acted as a perpetrator in issues relating to comfort women. What are your thoughts on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the press reports that you mentioned. However, as I have stated previously, in global history the 20th century was a period during which many wars took place in various locations, in which the human rights of women were violated. Understanding this, we are determined to ensure that there are no violations of human rights in the 21st century. Since the end of the war, Japan has contributed to the peace and prosperity of the international community as a peace-loving nation. We will continue to cooperate with the international community and make every effort to further contribute to peace and prosperity.

REPORTER: There are press reports that the ROK media has roundly criticized a video recently produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, claiming that it makes rash remarks, including that the prosperity of Asia, including that of the ROK, is thanks to assistance from Japan. Can you give us your thoughts on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I just stated, throughout the post-war period, Japan has consistently contributed to the peace and prosperity of the international community as a peace-loving nation, and our actions during the 70-year post-war period have been appreciated by the international community. With regard to the video that you mentioned, it is my understanding that it was compiled to outline to an external audience Japan’s actions as a peace-loving nation during the post-war period and specifically about the active assistance Japan has provided to nation building in the countries of Asia, including the ROK, through economic cooperation. The Government will continue to make efforts to promote correct understanding in the international community about Japan’s policies and basic stances on various issues.