Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Japan-North Korea relations

REPORTER: I have a question in connection with North Korea. The police searched the home of Chairman Ho John-man, the head of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), as well as the home of Vice Chairman Nam Seung-woo, on suspicion of importing illegal matsutake mushrooms from North Korea. First, can you share any comments the Government may have? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As this is an investigation pertaining to an individual case, I would like to refrain from making comments. That said, the Government’s position remains completely unchanged, which is to say, Japan strongly urges North Korea to swiftly conduct the investigation (of the abductions issue) and notify the results promptly and candidly. I gather that the police are conducting the investigation based on proper procedures. 

REPORTER: I have a related question. Chairman Ho John-man stated that the search was illegal and will cause a major rift in North Korea-Japan relations. What is your outlook concerning the impact that this will have on North Korea’s reinvestigation of the abduction of Japanese nationals? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, this is a police investigation. I believe that the investigation is being conducted appropriately in accordance with the law. There is no change whatsoever to the fact that Japan remains committed to realizing the return of all victims of abduction to Japan as quickly as possible.

(Abridged)