Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the abdication of His Majesty the Emperor. It was announced that the 10th meeting of the Advisory Council on Easing the Burden of the Official Duties and Public Activities of His Majesty the Emperor would be held tomorrow, March 22. I understand that a hearing would be conducted with four experts regarding issues such as the title and standing of His Majesty following his abdication. What does the Government expect from this hearing?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, on the 17th of last week, Prime Minister Abe received the compilation of discussions  from the Speaker and Vice-Speaker  of the House of Representatives and the President and Vice-President  of the House of Councillors regarding the abdication of His Majesty the Emperor and other matters. On that occasion, the Prime Minister stated to the Speaker and Vice-Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President and Vice-President of the House of Councillors that the Government takes the compilation seriously, would begin work immediately to formulate a bill, and make maximum efforts to submit the bill to the current session of the Diet. The compilation of discussions lists the matters that should be included in the special law, among which are also matters pertaining to the rank, title, treatment, and other aspects of His Majesty following his abdication as well as matters concerning the imperial heir. We regard that these issues also need to be swiftly discussed at the Advisory Council. In this context, a hearing will be conducted with four individuals with expertise in order to assist the considerations from a medical perspective, as well as the considerations of the standing, title, and other aspects of His Majesty following his abdication.

REPORTER: I have a related question. I believe the Advisory Council will be compiling recommendations for the Government based on the recent hearings. Does the Government intend to pass a special law that reflects these recommendations during the current session of the Diet?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I, in my capacity as a member of the Government, do not know whether the members of the Advisory Council will finish the discussion  tomorrow. In any case, the Government will do all that is necessary, and at the same time, work towards submitting the bill during this session of the Diet.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Please allow me to ask about a different matter. My question is in regard to a program aired on China's state-run television network. On the evening of the 15th, China Central Television (CCTV) aired a program criticizing that foods were being sold on the Internet and through other channels in China, even though the foods were produced in Japanese regions from which imports into China are banned. I gather that this was an erroneous report that misunderstood the area of production to mean  the location of the head office. Companies including Aeon and MUJI  have released statements of objection. Nonetheless, in China, we are seeing some people refrain from selling foods made in Japan and so on. Can you please share the comments of the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is of course aware of these news reports. The TV program reported that foods subject to import regulations were being imported into and sold in China. We perceive that Japanese companies have taken actions promptly in response to this program, including conducting fact-finding and releasing statements. The Government holds a variety of exchanges with China so that accurate information will be provided in China, including in Chinese media reports. In addition, the Japanese Embassy in China maintains communication with Japanese companies, and at the same time, is disseminating information about label rules for products made in Japan, among other information.

REPORTER: A related question. Is the Government of Japan taking any actions against CCTV?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated moments ago, Japan holds a variety of exchanges with China to ensure that accurate information is being provided in China, including in Chinese media reports.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a related question. There were large-scale anti-Japanese protests five years ago, and there is concern that the Japan-China relationship might deteriorate before the National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Could this issue not become a catalyst for confrontations between Japan and China?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: While there are a variety of issues between Japan and China, the relationship between the two countries is a vital bilateral relationship needless to say. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China relations. Japan will make a series of efforts with China from a broad perspective to further improve the relationship based on the concept of a Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests. With respect to this matter, the Government is committed to disseminating accurate information, and is calling on China in this regard.