Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

It has been five years today, March 11, since the Great East Japan Earthquake. I once again express my sincerest condolences to the victims, and extend my heartfelt sympathies to their families and all the people who are still unable to return to their homes. Today, from 2:30 PM, a memorial ceremony organized by the Government will be held at the National Theatre, attended by representatives from all sectors of society, in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress.

(Abridged)

Q&As

REPORTER: Did the Prime Minister make any comments regarding the earthquake during the Cabinet meeting or the ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe the Prime Minister made comments at the meeting held prior to the Cabinet meeting.

REPORTER: To the extent that you can, could you please tell us what the Prime Minister said?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister will fully convey his thoughts at today’s memorial ceremony. The Prime Minister stated to the effect that, five years into the reconstruction work, we need to think back to where we started.

REPORTER: Some media outlets have reported that the Government intends to begin full-fledged decontamination work in the “Areas where it is expected that the residents have difficulties in returning for a long time” in Fukushima Prefecture from FY2017. The reports stated that decontamination work in these areas would be incorporated into the FY2017 budget request, and that the guidelines on Fukushima’s reconstruction to be revised in FY2016 would specify a review of the zoning, which would make these areas smaller. What is the status of the arrangements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, we are hearing growing calls from local communities for the Government to quickly present a detailed policy on “Areas where it is expected that the residents have difficulties in returning for a long time.” This is a significant issue that requires the collective efforts of the Government. During yesterday’s press conference, the Prime Minister stated that the handling of these areas would be indicated no later than the summer of 2016. As the Prime Minister stated, the handling of “Areas where it is expected that the residents have difficulties in returning for a long time,” including decontamination, will be reviewed by this summer.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Mr. Etsuro Honda was appointed Ambassador to Switzerland. I would first like to confirm whether he will retain his post of Special Advisor to the Cabinet. Secondly, there are speculations that Mr. Honda’s appointment as Ambassador would affect the Abe administration’s Abenomics economics and fiscal policy in one way or another. What is your outlook?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, Special Advisor Honda’s appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary was approved today. As an advisor to the Prime Minister, the Special Advisor has been consulted or has provided recommendations regarding international monetary policy and the Abenomics economics and fiscal policy in various aspects. Against this backdrop, and with the G7 Ise-Shima Summit coming up in May, we would like Mr. Honda to concurrently serve as Special Advisor to the Cabinet for the time being. This is so that Prime Minister Abe can demonstrate his leadership on the issues facing the world economy as the head of the country holding the G7 Presidency.

(Abridged)