Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: Prime Minister Abe delivered an address to a joint meeting of U.S. Congress, a first for a Japanese Prime Minister. It seems that the address generally drew positive reactions, including from Vice President Biden. Having heard the address in its entirety, can you first share with us your comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Speaking with a firm voice and full of confidence, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the robust Japan-U.S. Alliance while reflecting on the past. In addition, the address was filled with visions of how to pave the way for the future of mankind from a global perspective. I understand that the Prime Minister received 13 or 14 standing ovations during his address. In this regard, I perceive that the Prime Minister received a very warm welcome. I would like to express my gratitude to the members of U.S. Congress.

REPORTER: I have a related question. In his address, Prime Minister Abe stated, “Our actions brought suffering to the peoples in Asian countries. We must not avert our eyes from that.” Can you please explain what the Prime Minister implied by this statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the basic message that the Prime Minister conveyed in his address was that Japan and the United States, two countries that fought each other during World War II, achieved reconciliation after the war and became strong allies. The Prime Minister reflected on the contributions that the two countries have made to regional and global peace and prosperity, and was able to fully demonstrate the strength of the ties that Japan and the United States have developed over the 70 years following the end of World War II. Furthermore, the Prime Minister presented a vision of the world that Japan will aspire to create, together with the United States, while bearing in mind Japan’s national interests. In this sense, I believe the address was very meaningful. In this context, the Prime Minister offered his condolences to the people who lost their lives during WWII. The Prime Minister also stated that as Japan embarked on its subsequent path, we have done so with feelings of deep remorse over the war. In addition, as you noted, the Prime Minister stated that Japan’s actions brought suffering to the peoples in Asian countries and that we must not avert our eyes from that. The Prime Minister made clear that he would uphold the views expressed by previous Japanese prime ministers in this regard. I believe that the Prime Minister’s own feelings were also reflected in these words.    

(Abridged)