Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening remarks
(Abridged)

Q&As

REPORTER: I think you just received requests from members of the Council for Promotion of Dezoning and Reutilization of Military Land in Okinawa, which includes Mr. Takeshi Onaga, the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, and others, about alleviating the burden of bases. How does the Government plan to respond to these requests?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I just met with members of the Council for Promotion of Dezoning and Reutilization of Military Land in Okinawa, which is chaired by Okinawan Governor Onaga, at the Prime Minister’s Office. I received a document that requests progress in finding a resolution to the military bases issue. I explained that the Abe administration intends to do whatever is possible to alleviate the burden of bases on Okinawa and is seeking to realize this goal in a visible manner as one of the administration’s top priorities. I reviewed our realization of the Agreement to Supplement the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement on Environmental Stewardship and other efforts, as well as the Government’s commitment to do whatever is possible to alleviate the burden of bases. At the same time, I of course requested cooperation from the local community because this is a vital component.

REPORTER: Among the requests, Governor Onaga stressed that Futenma Air Station must not be allowed to remain at its current location indefinitely and called for the suspension of operations at the site within five years to make this happen. What is your view of this request?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have repeatedly explained that there are three main functions involved in alleviation of the burden. The 15 in-flight refueling planes have already moved to Iwakuni. Additionally, facilities in Kyushu are accepting planes for emergency takeoffs and landings, and we are making requests to handle Osprey training and other activities as much as possible at various sites throughout Japan. It has been decided that the Self-Defense Forces’ Kisarazu Airport in Chiba Prefecture will serve as a maintenance base. The Government intends to move forward on such initiatives to alleviate the burden as much as possible. Regarding realization within five years, however, the reality is that this is only possible with a transfer to the Henoko site, as I have previously indicated. The Government would like to have the cooperation of the local community to achieve this goal.

(Abridged)