Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the transport assistance to be provided by the U.S. Forces in Japan. Can you tell us the status of the arrangements regarding the general scope of the resources to be mobilized and the units to be deployed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are coordinating with the U.S. side. I have been informed that we are not yet at the stage in which we can say when exactly the operation would start.

REPORTER: I have a related question. During your first press conference, you indicated that the Osprey might serve as the transport aircraft. What is the current status of the arrangements regarding the use of the Osprey?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, matters concerning the transport of personnel and relief goods are now being arranged. My remark was based on my speculation that if this were to be conducted, such aircraft would be utilized. In any case, it is still being arranged.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: There has been an outpouring of support from various countries, which have offered assistance for the affected people and expressed condolences to the victims. For example, Taiwan announced that it would send donations to the Government of Japan. Can you please share your comments on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the Government would like to express its deepest appreciation to foreign governments and others for their outpouring of sympathy. Foreign governments other than the United States’ have also offered assistance. As you just referred to, on the 16th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan announced that it would contribute 10 million yen in donations to Kumamoto Prefecture. The Government will determine whether to accept assistance from foreign governments and others on a case-by-case basis, based on the needs of the affected areas.

(Abridged)