Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: There are press reports that the communications networks of the Ground Self-Defense Force and the defense information infrastructure were subject to a high-level cyber-attack in September. Could I ask for the current confirmation status about what internal information was leaked and what the Government is doing to prevent a similar occurrence?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY HAGIUDA: The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces routinely receive many suspicious emails and other communications that are presumed to be cyber-attacks, but information leakages or other problems such as were mentioned in the media report have not been confirmed. In any event, the Government refrains from commenting on the presence or absence of specific cyberattacks or specific methods of attacks because doing so could reveal our response capabilities. If you require further details I suggest that you address your question to the Ministry of Defense.

REPORTER: Can you confirm that the Government has not confirmed such an attack as was reported in the press? Or is it rather the case that no leakage of internal information has been confirmed?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY HAGIUDA: The Government has not confirmed any such attack as was reported in the press.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Mr. Fidel Castro, former President of the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba has passed away. Is the Government giving consideration to dispatching a special envoy to attend the funeral?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY HAGIUDA: The Government of Cuba announced that Mr. Fidel Castro, former President of the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba, passed away on November 25. Upon hearing the news the Government offered its prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of former President Castro. He visited Japan twice and made great efforts to advance friendly ties and mutual understanding with Japan. Even after resigning his post as President, he continued to deepen even more the relationship between the two countries and the Government would like to express its respect for these efforts. Last year Minister for Foreign Affairs Kishida visited Cuba in May and Prime Minister Abe visited in September, and both had the opportunity to meet with the former President. There are active exchanges taking place between Japan and Cuba, including high-level exchanges, interactions among government officials, and exchanges among the people of both countries and these friendly relations will continue to be maintained after the passing of former President Castro. I understand that the funeral is scheduled to take place in the evening of November 29 in Havana. The Government is currently considering the form in which Japan should be represented at the funeral.