Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Cases of Zika fever are spreading in Latin America and the Caribbean. Taking measures against mosquitoes, the vector for infection, is a key component of preventing infection. Therefore, the Government has thus far encouraged the implementation of measures to contain mosquitoes, while promoting the use of the manual designed for local governments. We have hereby decided to make June the “month for strengthened PR on summer anti-mosquito measures.” The slogans that were decided from among the submissions received from citizens will be utilized to carry out intensive public relations and awareness raising activities. I would like to ask citizens for their cooperation with the national campaign to prevent an increase in the number of mosquitoes and avoid mosquito bites. 

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a related question. The Diet session concluded today, and now we are entering the period leading up to the House of Councillors elections. During the House of Councillors election period, it is expected that opposition parties will lodge criticisms about the failure of Abenomics in relation to the postponement of the consumption tax increase. How do you intend to embark on the election campaign?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I expect that the Prime Minister will comment on this during his press conference today, and that the Prime Minister will answer any questions. At the same time, we consider that Abenomics is steadily moving the economy in a positive direction based on the various figures. In particular, it is the first time that the ratio of job offers to job seekers exceeded 1.0 in 47 prefectures. Before the change in government, the ratio exceeded 1.0 in only eight prefectures. In this sense, it is a fact that there have been significant changes.  

REPORTER: I have one more related question. Today, Chairman Sato of the Diet Affairs Committee of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan indicated to the press that he expects the House of Councillors election will be officially announced on June 22 and that July 10 will be the election day. Is it correct to understand that the Government is also making arrangements based on these dates? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The final decision will be made at a Cabinet meeting. An official decision has yet to be made.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question related to the G7 Summit. Some have said that the material the Prime Minister presented to the leaders during the discussions on the first day of the Summit was prepared under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office. What is your understanding with regard to the process by which the material was prepared within the Government? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of these news reports. However, I would like to refrain from disclosing every detail of the coordination that took place within the Government.

REPORTER: My question is in regard to North Korea’s activities. A U.S. research group has released an analysis suggesting that North Korea has begun work on extracting plutonium. Has the Government confirmed if this is true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have been stating every day, the Government has serious concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities and is working to collect and analyze relevant information from peacetime. Under these circumstances, I would like to refrain from commenting on this due to the nature of the matter. Having said that, in any case, we perceive that it is the most important responsibility of the Government to protect the lives, peaceful daily lives, and assets of the Japanese people. The Government is taking measures with a sense of urgency to be able to respond to any situation.

REPORTER: I have a related question. North Korea launched a missile again yesterday. Do you anticipate that these provocative actions will continue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, Japan is fully working with the United States and the Republic of Korea and is closely following North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities with utmost concern. I would like to make it clear that the Government is conducting surveillance with a sense of urgency to be able to respond to any situation.

(Abridged)