Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This morning the 22nd meeting of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation was held. At the meeting a decision was made on “measures of importance in accordance with the Comprehensive Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation 2016” and on the “results of the reevaluation of comprehensive projects, including artificial intelligence.” In addition, a report was made on “changes to the medium- to long-term targets for designated national research and development entities.” Furthermore, Hitachi, Ltd., provided an introduction to a “social system simulator utilizing big data.”

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning Monju nuclear reactor. You have stated that the current status is that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and other related ministries and agencies are working together to consider the Government’s response. I believe that a decision on this matter could have a major impact on Japan’s energy policy, so is it the case that a final decision will be made by the Prime Minister?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As you just noted, the current situation is that MEXT and other related ministries and agencies and organizations are working together to consider the Government’s response. My understanding is that as Monju falls primarily under the jurisdiction of MEXT, the MEXT Minister is giving consideration to this matter in consultation with the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Prime Minister’s Office and other related organizations.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a related question. Once a decision is made with regard to Monju this could have a major impact on the nuclear fuel cycle policy of Japan. From the perspective of continuing the fuel cycle policy, is the Government considering restarting the Joyo experimental reactor, where operations are currently suspended?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, my understanding is that Joyo is a fast-breeder reactor for the purpose of conducting basic research. It is a completely separate matter from discussions about Monju nuclear reactor and I hear that preparations are being advanced by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency to ensure that the reactor is compliant with the new safety standards, with a view to restarting operations.

REPORTER: I have a further question. You have stated that the timing of a decision on Monju cannot be allowed to be unduly delayed. Given that yesterday you announced the Government’s intention to convene an extraordinary session of the Diet, do you think that it is necessary to expedite a decision on this matter in time for discussion in the Diet?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I don’t think the matter is necessarily related to Diet discussions. The Nuclear Regulation Authority indicated that it aimed to come to a decision in, I believe, six months and as that timeframe is already somewhat delayed, I think it would be better to come to a decision sooner rather than later.

(Abridged)