Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question concerning Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) relations. President Park Geun-hye of the ROK delivered an address at a ceremony commemorating the March First Independence Movement Day, in which she referred to the agreement reached between Japan and the ROK last year. President Park expressed her hope that facing up to history, the two countries will be able to work together to open a new chapter in bilateral relations. With regard to Japan, the President noted that the Government of Japan must make efforts to translate the intent and spirit of the agreement into action. Can I ask for your views on the President’s address?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: I am aware that in her address at the ceremony to mark the March First Independence Movement Day, President Park Geun-hye of the ROK spoke for the most part about a response to North Korea and economic measures. With regard to the comfort women issue, the President mainly referred to the agreement reached between Japan and the ROK. With the agreement reached last year the Governments of both countries confirmed that the comfort women issue is resolved finally and irreversibly. In any case, as affirmed by the leaders of the two countries, what is important is for the Governments of Japan and the ROK to take responsibility and implement the agreement. Through this agreement we seek to move toward developing a new era of future-oriented Japan-ROK relations and the Government will move ahead in advancing Japan-ROK relations, further strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields, including security, people-to-people exchanges and the economy.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Approximately two months have passed since the agreement and as yet there are still no prospects for the removal of the statue in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, or the establishment of a foundation. Is there no change to the Government’s stance of monitoring efforts made by the ROK side with regard to this issue?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: I believe that the details are as announced in the joint press conference by Foreign Minister Kishida and Mr. Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ROK. There is nothing more or less to it. In addition, based on the agreement it is my understanding that the ROK will ensure that the statue is appropriately relocated. With regard to the establishment of a foundation, the Government of the ROK is currently making efforts to explain the situation to the public. The actual date for the establishment of a foundation has yet to be determined. However, with regard to this point too, the two sides are engaging in communication at various levels towards the implementation of the agreement, and we will continue to work closely with the ROK on this matter.

REPORTER: I have a related question. The Prime Minister often states that the ROK is the most important of Japan’s neighbors and you have just stated that the Government seeks to move ahead in developing a new era of future-oriented Japan-ROK relations. Are there any specific prospects for summit-level dialogue or a meeting?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: Nothing has been decided on the specific timing of a summit meeting. However, it is a fact that the momentum for leader-level exchange has increased considerably, including over the last two months, when summit-level telephone talks were held very quickly following the various incidents that occurred in January and February.

(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: I have a question that follows on from yesterday, concerning the Takahama Nuclear Power Station of Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. in Fukui Prefecture. Yesterday there was an emergency shutdown at the power station, due to trouble which occurred four days after the reactor was restarted. It has been noted that the restarting of operations, which had been scheduled for the end of March, may be further delayed. Can I ask for your views on this matter?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: With regard to the automatic shutdown yesterday at reactor No. 4 of Takahama Nuclear Power Station, Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. has issued an intermediate report concerning the cause of the shutdown. Firstly, the Government considers it to be important for Kansai Electric Power Co. to proceed with investigations into the details behind the shutdown. It is extremely regrettable that such trouble has occurred as the company is seeking to restart power generation operations. The Government expects that the company will proceed with its efforts, placing top priority on safety. We expect that the company will make every endeavor to find the cause of the shutdown and proceed with the utmost care and attention, placing top priority on safety and not adhering to any schedule, such as that which you just mentioned.

(Abridged)