Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, about allegations of concealment of doping by Russia. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) held an emergency board meeting to discuss the matter and determined that the Russian Olympic Committee will not be banned from participating in the Rio Games, but rather the Russian athletes would be able to participate at Rio if they meet specific criteria. This basically means that a decision on the participation of Russian athletes will be made by the international federation responsible for each sporting event. What is your evaluation of the decision made by the IOC?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the press reports with regard to this matter. As this is something that the IOC has decided after a process of careful investigation and consideration, I would like to refrain from making any comment from a Government position. However, doping is something that sullies the spirit of fair play and the nobility of sport and also undermines the athletes themselves. Therefore doping must never be allowed to detract from the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are the world’s largest sporting events. The Government hopes that the Rio Games will be a clean Games, where the athletes can fully demonstrate the results of their long years of training.

REPORTER: I have a related question. There is strong rivalry between Japan and Russia in judo and gymnastics, which are two events in which Japan is aiming to win medals. You have just stated that the Government hopes the Games will be clean and enable athletes to fully demonstrate the results of their accumulated training efforts. Does this hope also apply to events such as judo and gymnastics at Rio, where Japan will be competing against Russia?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any event, doping is something that must never be permitted and against that backdrop and the decision made by the IOC, what is most important is for athletes to compete fairly with a sense of sportsmanship and do their utmost to win many medals.

REPORTER: I have a question about the Tokyo gubernatorial election. Yesterday was the last Sunday before the election and it is still the case that there have not been sufficient opportunities for the candidates to engage in debate with one another. One of the main reasons for this lack of debate is the continued absence of Mr. Torigoe, the candidate supported by the four opposition parties. Given that Tokyo is the nation’s capital and cooperation with national government is essential, can I ask for your views on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, as your question relates to an election for the leader of a local government, I would like to refrain from making any comment on behalf of the Government concerning the status of debates among candidates. However, what I would say, and as you noted yourself, Tokyo is Japan’s capital city and with the Olympic and Paralympic due to be held in 2020 and the fact that this election is to select the person who will become the leader of Tokyo’s 13.6 million people, I believe it is important for candidates not to simply use slogans, but rather to present specific policies. The budget of Tokyo Metropolitan Government is 13 trillion yen and it employs 160,000 people. A candidate will be chosen who will use this manpower and budget to demonstrate leadership for the people of Tokyo. I believe that it is important for all candidates to use various opportunities to explain their positions.

(Abridged)