Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding counterterrorism measures. I understand that in light of the attacks on the Charlie Hebdo offices that took place this January, the Government of France had elevated its security alert to the highest level and enhanced its intelligence gathering. Nevertheless, regrettably, the recent incident still occurred. Considering that Japan is being targeted for attack by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as we have seen with the hostage-taking of Mr. Kenji Goto and others, there are renewed calls for establishing an overseas intelligence agency in Japan. We are hearing once again that at the very least a Japanese version of the CIA is needed. Can you again tell us your views on the need for establishing a Japanese version of the CIA, including its relationship to the intelligence gathering unit that you spoke about at yesterday’s press conference?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, what is important for Japan right now is to take all possible measures to counter terrorism. This is critically important. To this end, we are currently making our strongest efforts to take steps to enhance our intelligence gathering, prevent entry into Japan across our borders, and provide a high level of security at relevant facilities. At the same time, we perceive that overseas intelligence gathering is vital in light of the ISIL incident and other factors. In this context, following the incident of the murder of Japanese nationals in Syria, we are also working to set up a unit for intelligence gathering or what you might call an intelligence unit. We hope to speed up these efforts.

(Abridged)