Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: You have just mentioned the Cabinet reshuffle that is due to take place on August 3, noting that the Prime Minister stated that the new Cabinet lineup will further accelerate Abenomics and respond to the mandate given to the Government by the people. Based on this policy for reshuffling the Cabinet, could you tell us what the Prime Minister will be focusing on as he reshuffles his Cabinet and what the significance of the timing of the reshuffle is?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: What the Prime Minister stated today was that with a new Cabinet lineup he aims to further accelerate Abenomics and dynamically implement various policies in a manner that will respond to the mandate given to the Government by the people in the recent election for the House of Councillors. With regard to the timing of the reshuffle, I believe that the Prime Minister will have made his decision in light of the recent election and also taking into account proceedings at the Diet.

REPORTER: How broad a reshuffle is the Prime Minister considering on this occasion?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As only the Prime Minister has the authority to determine Cabinet appointments, it is my understanding that he will make his own decision based on the points I have already mentioned, namely further accelerating Abenomics and dynamically implementing various policies in a manner that will respond to the mandate given to the Government by the people in the recent election for the House of Councillors.

(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: The effective ratio of job offers to applicants for June has risen to 1.37, the highest level in several years. The total unemployment rate has also improved. Could I ask for your analysis of the factors behind these figures?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly the effective ratio of job offers to applicants for June as announced today stood at 1.37, making the fourth consecutive monthly rise. Furthermore, the effective ratio of job offers to applicants in terms of both locations receiving applications and by work location also rose to above 1.0 in all prefectures for the first time. The total unemployment rate dropped 0.1 point from the previous month to stand at 3.1 percent and the employment rate for people aged between 15 and 64 stood at 74.5 percent, the highest figure ever. From these figures it can be understood that the employment situation is gradually improving.

REPORTER: Although the employment situation is in good shape, personal consumption continues to be in the doldrums. Could you tell us your thoughts on why this gap has yet to be filled and your future outlook?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, as you have just noted, consumption is weak and it is in response to this situation that the Government intends to do everything it can to improve employment and incomes and create a better environment so that we can achieve an exit from deflation and realize economic revitalization. The economic policies that are scheduled to be approved by the Cabinet on August 2 include comprehensive and bold measures that are designed to lift Japan completely out of deflation and put the economy on a firm growth track.