Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: Prime Minister Abe recently gave a speech in which he announced that the next target for the annual foreign visitors to Japan will be 30 million. Could you tell us the specific timing for the achievement of this target and the current state of arrangements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Government previously announced a target of 20 million foreign visitors annually by 2020, rising to a target of 30 million by 2030. The Government has made every effort toward the achievement of these goals. The timing of the achievement of the target of 20 million visitors a year is now firmly in sight. Setting its sights even higher, the Government is working together as one to promote Japan as a tourism-oriented country. I believe that it was with such thoughts in mind that the Prime Minister made his comments today. The Government has created the Council for the Development of a Tourism Vision to Support the Future of Japan, which is chaired by the Prime Minister. The Council is considering the necessary response measures in order to set the targets for the next era and it is expected that recommendations will be compiled by the end of the fiscal year. The new targets will be announced at that time.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21). The Prime Minister has also made a comment on the Paris Agreement adopted at COP21. Could I ask for your thoughts on the adoption of the agreement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Government highly evaluates the adoption of the Paris Agreement at COP21. The Government would also like to express its admiration and respect to France, which chaired COP21, for refusing to yield to terrorism and leading the conference to its successful conclusion. The Government has continuously emphasized that all nations of the world must participate in a new framework. For the first time in history a fair agreement has been reached, in which all of the more than 190 countries will participate. Japan will now move to systematically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions toward the target of a 26% reduction. The Government seeks to achieve this target by any means, without sacrificing economic growth. The key to achieving the target will be the promotion of innovative technology development in the environment and energy sectors and the Government will make every effort in this regard. Utilizing Japan’s technology and experience, we also certainly promote climate change countermeasures in developing countries. As one of the top priorities for the Abe Cabinet, the Government will endeavor to achieve the target for emissions reduction.

REPORTER: I have an additional question. What discussions is the Government seeking to hold at the Ise-Shima Summit in May next year, based on the Paris Agreement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The details for the Ise-Shima Summit have yet to be decided. However, as Japan will be chairing the summit next year, the Government would like to engage in discussions on climate change issues based on the outcomes of COP21. The details will be worked out in consultation with other G7 countries.

(Abridged)