Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject. I have a question regarding Sendai Nuclear Power Station in Kagoshima Prefecture. As early as this afternoon, Governor Mitazono of Kagoshima Prefecture plans to make requests to Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. (KEPCO), including the temporary suspension of Sendai Nuclear Power Station. What responses is the Government seeking from KEPCO?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As you just stated, the Governor will make his request this afternoon, and therefore, the Government is not yet aware as to what this request will exactly entail. In any case, the Government will take appropriate steps in close consultation with Kagoshima Prefecture.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Although the details are not out yet, if temporary suspension and so on are requested, do you expect that this would affect the Government’s policy of restarting the nuclear power stations of which safety has been confirmed? Can you please explain once again?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, as I have stated repeatedly, only if the standards of the Nuclear Regulation Authority are met will the Government, by way of respecting its decision, proceed with the restarting of nuclear power stations, all the while gaining the understanding of the local communities. There is no change to this existing policy. In any case, we believe it is also important that extensive discussions take place between the Government and the Governor.

(Abridged)