Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: An event for showcasing the reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the attractiveness of Japan that was supposed to be held yesterday and the day before yesterday in Seongdong District, Seoul in the Republic of Korea (ROK) was cancelled. Civic groups protested the event, questioning the safety of Japan’s food products on the grounds of the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. I understand that because of this, the authorities of Seongdong District did not grant permission for the event. I gather that the event would have been a good opportunity to promote the safety of Japan’s food products to the ROK, which restricts imports of fishery products from Tohoku, and, at the same time, to improve Japan-ROK relations. What is your comment on the fact that this event failed to be held?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, in order to hold this event, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan undertook various coordination efforts with the ROK Government and the relevant district in the city that has jurisdiction over the event venue. I have been informed that ultimately the relevant district stated that the event was cancelled, and the event was called off. Both the Japanese Government and local public organizations had been working hard to make arrangements to hold this event so as to allow the people of the ROK to further understand the situation in the recovered earthquake-affected areas, with five years having already passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. It is extremely regrettable to see this happen. The Government of Japan remains fully committed to disseminating accurate information pertaining to the progress of the reconstruction in the affected areas and to dispelling harmful rumors that have spread following the Great East Japan Earthquake.

REPORTER: According to some news reports, in the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, for the purpose of responding to cyberattacks, the Government will establish a Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games under the direct control of the Prime Minister’s Office. Can you please tell us the status of these considerations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, we consider it critically vital that cybersecurity be ensured in order to have a successful 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. For this reason, the Cybersecurity Working Team has been established under the Headquarters for the Promotion of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games  chaired by the Prime Minister. Within this team, we have set up a group to study the system to which you have referred. Currently discussions are underway regarding arrangements including the structure of the Government’s CSIRT.

REPORTER: Have you discussed yet by around what point in time the CSIRT will be launched, or other such information?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, at this time we are studying the matter, including the relevant organizations with which information should be shared. We hope to finalize the coordination work and arrangements by the time of the Rugby World Cup, which will be held in 2019.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the “Takeshima Day” Memorial Ceremony  hosted by Shimane Prefecture. I understand that the ceremony will be held today and that a Parliamentary Vice-Minister  will be attending from the Government. While on the one hand there are people who point to the importance of and the need for communications concerning territorial integrity,  there are also the ROK and others who are expressing concern. What is your opinion regarding how these ceremonies should be conducted?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: From the Government, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Cabinet Office Yasuyuki Sakai , who is in charge of maritime policy and territorial affairs, will attend the “Takeshima Day” ceremony hosted by Shimane Prefecture, which is being held today. As territory and sovereignty  are indeed the basic building blocks of a nation, we will continue to commit to communicating information and raising awareness domestically and overseas.