Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved 1 general measure and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, I made a statement concerning the Government’s decision to confer the National Honor Award to Ms. Kaori Icho. The Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare made a statement concerning the presentation of celebratory certificates and commemorative gifts to persons reaching the age of 100.

Today, the Prime Minister has decided to present and confer the National Honor Award to Ms. Kaori Icho. Ms. Icho has demonstrated great dedication and engaged in hard training, striving tirelessly right up until the end without giving in to secure a gold medal at the Olympic Games. Her achievements place her at the highest global level, as she has become the first female athlete in Olympic history to win an individual event gold at four consecutive Olympic Games. Her achievements have both deeply moved the Japanese people and delivered hopes and dreams to society and the award is being made in recognition of her many accomplishments. The schedule for the presentation of the award will be determined at a later date.

Q&As

REPORTER: Diet member Ms. Renho has recently announced that she retains Taiwanese nationality, which is contrary to the statements she has made before today. In a previous press conference you stated that the diet member in question should explain the issue herself, so can I ask for your thoughts now?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of all the details concerning the issue of the nationality of Ms. Renho, neither am I aware of the content of the ad hoc press conference she recently hosted, and therefore I would like to refrain from making any comment. In any event, this is something that Ms. Renho should explain herself.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Ms. Renho has apologized for her comments on the matter of nationality lacking consistency, but she has also stated that there is nothing unlawful about this matter and that she intends to continue to stand in the election for the leader of The Democratic Party. Speaking in general terms, do you think there are any issues with a person who still maintains dual nationality serving as a Diet member and as the leader of a political party?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Whatever the case, I am not aware of all the details and this is a matter that the Diet member in question has the responsibility to explain fully herself.

(Abridged)