Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question in connection with North Korea's missiles. There is information that North Korea launched several missiles this morning. Has the Government confirmed this information?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government works constantly to collect and analyze information regarding North Korea's nuclear and missile activities with serious concern. Due to the nature of the matter I would like to refrain from commenting on the specific details and analyses pertaining to each piece of information. Having said that, we have not confirmed missiles or other objects that have flown towards Japan. We do not view that a situation has occurred which has direct implications on the security of Japan.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject. Meat that does not meet sanitation standards are suspected to have been sold both domestically and internationally in Brazil.  As Brazil is the origin of nearly 80% of the chicken meat imported by Japan, I imagine that the Japanese food market will be affected. What is the view of the Japanese Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, according to the announcement made by the Government of Brazil, we understand that 21 processing and packing facilities in Brazil would be investigated over fraudulent practices related to meat inspections. Based on information obtained through the Brazilian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan has suspended imports from all of the 21 facilities that are subject to the investigation as of last evening. However, to give you some data, in FY2015, Japan imported 567,000 tons of chicken meat, of which 430,000 tons were imported from Brazil. Japan imported chicken meat from only one of the 21 facilities that allegedly conducted fraudulent practices. In FY2015, of the 430,000 tons of chicken meat imported from Brazil, 8,900 tons were imported from this facility. Accordingly, we view that the Japanese market will not be directly affected. The Government will continue to make maximum efforts to ensure food safety.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Did the Japanese Government have any discussions with the Brazilian Government regarding this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Based on information obtained through the Brazilian Embassy in Tokyo, which was that 21 facilities in Brazil would be investigated, Japan has currently suspended imports from these 21 facilities. In this sense, only 8,900 tons of the 430,000 tons imported from Brazil are currently subject to the investigation. Japan will strive to ensure food safety by closely following the situation.

REPORTER: Yesterday, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released the world rankings of the Human Development Index (HDI). Japan stayed in 17th place, remaining in the same position as last year. I understand that the ranking is calculated based on the average life expectancy, the per capita gross national income, and the schooling  situation combined. Can you please share your opinions on this index, one of the indexes relating to the quality of life of the people?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, it seems that the HDI assesses dimensions such as the economy, education, and health. To ensure people can feel that their lives are improving, the Government will execute each and every one of its policies, including revitalizing the economy, implementing Abenomics, realizing a society in which all citizens are dynamically engaged , implementing the Healthcare Policy , and facilitating women's active role , in order to achieve the intended objective.