Ad Hoc Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

A short while ago, the National Security Council (NSC) held a meeting and discussed information regarding the nuclear test conducted by North Korea. Japan has been in contact with the countries concerned, including the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Based on a comprehensive consideration of North Korea’s “special and important” announcement and the information that has come to light thus far, it is deemed that North Korea conducted a nuclear test today.

The nuclear test, which North Korea conducted today following on from the nuclear test it conducted on February 12, 2013, constitutes a grave threat to Japan’s security and seriously undermines the peace and stability of the region as well as the international community. It is a clear violation of relevant Security Council resolutions, and is a violation of the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration as well as the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. Japan views the nuclear test as totally unacceptable. Thus, Japan lodges a serious protest against North Korea, and strongly condemns its nuclear test.

In response to the situation, the Prime Minister issued three instructions: (1) Relevant ministries and agencies shall gather and analyze information with a sense of urgency; (2) Provide accurate information to the people; and (3) Coordinate with the countries concerned, including the United States, the ROK, China, and Russia. In addition, at the NSC meeting held moments ago, the Prime Minister issued three new instructions: (1) Take all possible measures to gather and analyze information regarding North Korea’s future activities and other information; (2) Coordinate with the countries concerned to strengthen the monitoring system in order to gauge the impact of radioactive substances from the nuclear test; and (3) Fully prepare for contingencies and make every possible effort to ensure the safety and security of the people.

Furthermore, at the NSC meeting held earlier, deliberations took place on the Statement by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The statement was finalized as is shown in the material distributed to you. I ask that you please take a look at it.

With regard to the impact that radioactive substances from the underground nuclear test could have on Japan, it is generally said that the chances are low that radioactive substances would be released into the atmosphere in the case of underground nuclear tests. In fact, abnormal values were not detected in Japan following North Korea’s announcement of a nuclear test in the previous three instances. Based on the instructions issued by the Prime Minister at the NSC meeting, a “Liaison Meeting for Radiological Countermeasures” was held and was adjourned a short while ago.

I would like to ask the Japanese people to go about their lives calmly and as usual.

Q&As 

REPORTER: If the Security Council begins to consider sanctions against North Korea, Japan would also be involved in the discussions as a non-permanent member. What will Japan be asserting at these discussions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, in response to today’s situation, Japan has already requested the Security Council to swiftly hold consultations. In doing this, Japan took into consideration Resolution 2094 of the Security Council, which expressed the Security Council’s determination to take further significant measures against North Korea in the event of another nuclear test. Including efforts in the Security Council, Japan will take measures in close coordination and collaboration with the countries concerned, including the United States and the ROK.

REPORTER: I have a related question. In July of the year before last, Japan lifted some of its sanctions following North Korea’s commencement of investigation of the abduction issue. Is it possible that Japan will re-strengthen its sanctions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated earlier, in response to today’s nuclear test, Japan requested the United Nations Security Council to swiftly hold consultations. Including efforts in the UN Security Council, Japan will strengthen collaboration with the countries concerned. It is as I stated moments ago. In addition, the Government will consider strong measures against North Korea, taking into account future responses by North Korea and the developments in the international community.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: A related question. In the past, when North Korea conducted a missile launch, for example, the Security Council did not take any responses beyond issuing a statement by the President. I believe the Security Council has taken a variety of responses. This time, will the members of the Security Council be pursuing a strong resolution that has binding force?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Resolution 2094 of the Security Council expresses the UN Security Council’s determination to take further significant measures against North Korea in the event of another nuclear test. I expect that this will be taken into account in working on the resolution.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning this matter. You stated earlier that the Government deemed that this was a nuclear test based on a comprehensive judgment of North Korea’s announcement and other information. Other than North Korea’s announcement, have you obtained any concrete information that led you to make this determination?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated a short while ago, this judgment was made based on a variety of information, including the assessment made by the Japan Meteorological Agency that this may not be a natural earthquake on the grounds that: the epicenter is in an area where there are usually few earthquakes; the epicenter is nearly in the same location as in the previous nuclear test on February 12, 2013 as well as the nuclear tests in October 2006 and May 2009; and the seismic waves are characterized by indistinct S-waves compared to P-waves, which is similar to the previous three cases.

(Abridged)