Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: Has the Government received reports of damage from this morning’s earthquake off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At the current point in time, we have received reports of three severely injured persons and seven persons with slight injuries in Fukushima and Chiba prefectures. The tsunami alert that had been issued following the earthquake was lifted at 12:50 p.m.

REPORTER: I have a related question. It has been pointed out that there is a possibility an earthquake of a similar size could occur again over the course of the coming week, so will the Government be maintaining its state of alert?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As you have just noted, the Government has received a report from the Japan Meteorological Agency that it will be necessary to remain on alert for approximately one week as there is a possibility of another earthquake of a similar size occurring that could generate a tsunami. The Government has established an emergency response office within the Prime Minister’s Office and all ministries and agencies concerned are working together to collect information. The Government will continue to make a thorough response in anticipation of all possible scenarios.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning Japan-Russia relations. In a press conference this morning the Prime Minister stated that with regard to negotiations with Russia on the conclusion of a peace treaty, it is of the utmost importance for the future development of the Northern Territories to proceed in a way that will create a win-win situation for both Japan and Russia. Does this statement mean specifically that the Government is prepared to consider joint economic activities in the Northern Territories?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The statement you referred to was made by the Prime Minister himself, and as I was not present at the press conference I would like to refrain from adding anything further to what the Prime Minister said.

REPORTER: Setting aside the Prime Minister’s press conference, speaking in general terms does the Government consider that it would be possible to consider joint economic activities in the Northern Territories, depending on the conditions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have noted previously in press conferences, in general terms any joint economic activities in the Northern Territories would be predicated on Japan not prejudicing its existing legal stance.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK). The Government is currently aiming to achieve the conclusion of the GSOMIA in the near-term, so can I ask once again about the significance of this agreement and the Government’s expectations for it in the context of security?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to the General Security of Military Information Agreement between Japan and the ROK, or the GSOMIA, the Government is currently engaged in consultations relating to the specific timing for the signing of the agreement and is seeking to achieve its conclusion as soon as possible. Under the terms of the agreement, information exchanged between the two governments would be protected appropriately, which would help to further facilitate and accelerate information exchange between the two countries. In any event, under the current situation it is of the utmost importance for Japan and the ROK to cooperate in responding to North Korean nuclear and missile issues. The Government is therefore seeking to further enhance Japan-ROK cooperation in security-related areas, including the early conclusion of this agreement.