Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: You noted in yesterday’s press conference that following a call from the Government of Japan, UNESCO is looking into revising the system relating to its Memory of the World Register. I have a point of confirmation. What are the Government’s thoughts with regard to the cancellation of the inscription of documents relating to the “Nanjing Incident,” which were what initially caused this issue to arise? Could you confirm whether the Government is considering making such a call on UNESCO or not?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Government has of course expressed its sentiments to the relevant authorities overseas, and in the meeting between Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Hase and Director General Irina Bokova of UNESCO the Government’s extreme regret regarding the inscription of documents relating to the “Nanjing Incident” was reiterated. Furthermore, it has not yet been fully disclosed by UNESCO as to what documents have actually been inscribed. The details are currently being confirmed and the Government would like to consider what response can be made once the details are known.

(Abridged)