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 Tankan (Short-Term Economic Survey of Enterprises in Japan) of the Bank of Japan (BoJ). According to the BoJ’s Tankan that was released today, the business conditions indicator for manufacturing of large enterprises was a 6, the lowest level since the June 2013 survey. In addition, it seems fixed investment was lower than market expectations. Can you please share your comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I am aware that the business conditions for manufacturing of large enterprises was a 6 in the BoJ’s March Tankan survey released by the BoJ. I have also been briefed that fixed investment in 2015 for all industries of all enterprises increased by 8% compared to FY2014. The results show that while fixed investment was higher than in the previous fiscal year, a cautious outlook by some companies is reflected in their business sentiment. The Government will continue to follow the domestic and overseas situations carefully and closely, and at the same time, remain committed to creating an economic society led by private demand.

REPORTER: A Japan-U.S.-ROK trilateral summit meeting was held in Washington, D.C. Prime Minister Abe expressed his intent to deepen security cooperation between Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in order to address the threats from North Korea. Can you please speak about the outcomes of this meeting and how exactly the three countries will deepen their cooperative relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Today, the leaders of the three countries of Japan, the United States, and the ROK, which are responsible for the peace and stability of the region, came together in the face of an extremely severe security situation surrounding the three countries. It was timely that exchanges of views took place regarding the various issues centered on the issues of North Korea, as well as global issues, and in this regard, I view that it was a meaningful summit meeting. With regard to the issues of North Korea, the three leaders mutually confirmed that it was necessary to further deepen the trilateral cooperation, and that they would continue to strengthen their close collaboration and cooperation. The leaders also agreed that they would give instructions to their working-level officials so that the foreign policy and defense authorities of the three countries can work together to make concrete progress on security and defense cooperation. In addition, the Prime Minister took this opportunity to explain Japan’s position regarding the abduction issue, and once again gained the understanding and support of President Barack Obama and President Park Geun-hye regarding the efforts of Japan.

REPORTER: I have a related question. You stated that the Prime Minister will give or has given concrete instructions to working-level officials. What exactly are these instructions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I explained, the leaders agreed that they would give instructions to their working-level officials to ensure that the foreign policy and defense authorities of the three countries can work together to make concrete progress on security and defense cooperation. The instructions have yet to be given.

REPORTER: I have a related question. A Japan-ROK summit meeting was also held in Washington, D.C. I understand that the two sides confirmed that they would steadily implement the agreement reached concerning the “comfort women” issue. Three months have passed since the agreement, and as I see it, there has been no visible progress on the matters agreed upon, such as the relocation of the comfort woman statue. Can you please tell us what kind of exchanges took place exactly? Furthermore, what is the general schedule that the Government has in mind for the execution of these matters?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At the Japan-ROK summit meeting that was held early this morning, Prime Minister Abe said that he highly appreciated the close cooperation between the Governments of Japan and the ROK against repeated provocative actions by North Korea and expressed his desire to seize this opportunity to further deepen security cooperation between Japan-ROK, and Japan-U.S.-ROK in a variety of ways. In addition, Prime Minister Abe explained that Japan intends to continue cooperation aimed at reaching a solution to North Korea’s human rights and humanitarian problems, including the abductions issue. President Park noted that similar problems exist in the ROK and would like to cooperate on this issue. The two leaders confirmed a resolute stance toward North Korea and shared the view that they continue close collaboration. With respect to the comfort women issue you just referred to, I understand that the two leaders concurred on steadily implementing the agreement reached at the end of last year.

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the Japan-U.S. summit meeting that was also held in Washington, D.C. Prime Minister Abe explained to President Obama the process leading up to the settlement of the lawsuit over the execution by proxy of the relocation to Henoko, and President Obama showed overall understanding. Meanwhile, I understand the President also expressed concerns over the delays in the construction work, among other matters. What is your take on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, President Obama referred to the process leading up to the settlement and to possible consequent delays in the construction work for the relocation to Henoko. In response, the Prime Minister explained carefully that the relocation to Henoko was the only solution and that it was in this context that the Government agreed to the settlement. The Prime Minister explained that the Government’s position remains unwavering that the relocation to Henoko is the only solution, and that he decided to accept a court-suggested settlement under the philosophy of “'haste is waste.”' The President expressed his understanding for Prime Minister Abe's strategic decision.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Did the Prime Minister mention anything specific with regard to how long he expected the relocation project to be delayed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that no detailed exchanges took place regarding the timing of the resumption of the construction work and other matters.

REPORTER: What do you think are the chances that North Korea would conduct further provocations coinciding with the Nuclear Security Summit?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As regards the issues of North Korea, we always stand ready to conduct surveillance to protect the safety and security of Japanese nationals while collecting and analyzing intelligence.