Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved 15 general and other measures and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs made a statement concerning an emergency aid grant in response to the earthquake disaster in southern Taiwan.

During today’s Cabinet meeting, a Cabinet understanding was adopted regarding the expression of condolences on the day of the Memorial Ceremony Marking the Fifth Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Cabinet understanding asks administrative agencies of the Government to establish measures and asks for the cooperation of a range of Japanese people in expressing condolences on the occasion of the Memorial Ceremony Marking the Fifth Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Based on this Cabinet understanding, I will send out a notice to the heads of ministries and agencies asking that proper considerations be given at the ministries and agencies and at local public organizations. In addition, a statement by the Prime Minister entitled “To the People” has been released, as shown in the material distributed to you.

(Abridged)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi of China will visit the United States and hold a foreign ministers’ meeting, among other meetings. As for the themes, I imagine that the main issues will include responses to North Korea’s nuclear test and missile launch. What are the Japanese Government’s expectations for the meeting with respect to the United Nations sanctions resolution and other matters?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the relevant countries are working together closely over the Security Council resolution against North Korea, and Japan is closely following Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi’s visit to the United States. Japan remains committed to adopting a resolution that includes rigorous measures in close cooperation with the relevant countries, including the United States and the Republic of Korea.

REPORTER: According to some news reports, the North Korean women’s national football team has applied to enter Japan. What is the outlook for Japan allowing the team to enter the country?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the Government has set out a policy not to allow the entry of North Korean citizens into Japan, unless there are special circumstances. On the other hand, it is true that in the world of international sports, there is a pervading view that discrimination on the basis of nationality is banned. The FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) rules also stipulate that discrimination should not be allowed. Taking these into consideration, we have found that due to special circumstances an exception would be made for the entry of the North Korean team into Japan. I anticipate that visas will be issued at the Embassy of Japan in Beijing.