Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: The Hokkaido Shinkansen begins service tomorrow. While there are high expectations for the economic spillover effect and local communities are excited, issues remain, such as safety and management concerns at JR Hokkaido and the length of the trip at more than four hours between Tokyo and Hakodate. What are the Government’s thoughts about the launch of this service and how should these issues be addressed?   

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: New Shinkansen service significantly alters the flow of people and plays a major role in stimulating local communities, including increasing tourism and encouraging corporate relocations, by shortening movement among regions. The Hokkaido Shinkansen fits this pattern. The launch of the Hokkaido Shinkansen service on this occasion is a very welcome event because it is finally happening after more than 40 years since deciding the plan in 1973 and more than 25 years since completion of the Seikan Tunnel in 1988. I expect the new service to make major contributions to stimulating tourism and the regional economy. 

REPORTER: This is a related question. How do you think the issues that were also mentioned in my previous question, such as safety and management concerns at JR Hokkaido and the length of the trip at more than four hours between Tokyo and Hakodate, should be addressed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This can be improved over time. The trip time on the Tokaido Shinkansen has been substantially shortened compared to when it first started service. I think it is important to start operations with a top priority on safety.

REPORTER: Shikoku Electric Power Company announced that it plans to decommission the Ikata No.1 nuclear reactor located in Ehime Prefecture that has been operating for almost 40 years and reported this to the Governor. Please explain your thoughts about this decision and the Government’s outlook for nuclear power policy.  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This is principally a decision by the operator. Within this context, individual power companies are making comprehensive decisions regarding which reactors to restart or extend operations and which to decommission based on plant conditions and responses needed to comply with new standards. I think this decision takes into account a variety of factors, such as the extent of local understanding, efforts related to support for the new standards, and the reactor’s age of over 38 years. 

REPORTER: This is a related question. Shikoku Electric Power Company also requested that the Nuclear Regulatory Authority conduct a usage inspection aimed at restarting the No.3 reactor. Is it correct that the Government has not changed its policy of approving restarts if the reactors meet the Regulatory Authority’s standard?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes, nothing has changed.

(Abridged)