Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: My question is in regard to a diplomatic matter. This week, a Japan-Russia summit meeting will be held in Russia. What is your outlook for the meeting, including whether there will be any progress on the peace treaty negotiations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the summit meeting will be held on the occasion of the Prime Minister’s attendance of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. I expect that discussions will take place on overall Japan-Russia relations in wide-ranging areas, while also bearing in mind President Putin’s future visit to Japan. 

REPORTER: I have a related question. At the summit meeting in May of this year, Japan proposed a cooperation plan with eight points. Do you consider that the environment is improving for advancing the peace treaty negotiations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I regard that candid exchanges between the leaders are essential to make progress on the issue of concluding the peace treaty. I believe Prime Minister Abe will approach the discussions on this issue with this strong conviction on his mind. In addition, at the summit meeting in May, the two sides agreed that they should actively proceed with negotiations towards the formulation of solutions acceptable to both sides through a new approach that is not stuck in a traditional way of thinking. I anticipate that forward-looking and candid discussions will take place also at the upcoming summit meeting. In this context, at the meeting in Vladivostok, I expect exchanges of views will take place regarding the current status and future prospects of Japan-Russia cooperation, including fleshing out the eight-point economic cooperation plan that the Prime Minister presented in Sochi.  

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject and ask about the reports of some media regarding the Monju fast breeder reactor. Some media reported that the Government’s preliminary calculation estimates an additional 600 billion yen in funding would be needed in the next ten years if the reactor is operated in accordance with the existing plan, and that a study team was established under your supervision and is studying future options including decommissioning. Can you tell us if this this is true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I am not aware of the numerical figures that have been reported. The Government is currently examining measures for Monju through coordination between the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and other relevant ministries, agencies, and organizations. There is no team at all under my supervision.

(Abridged)