Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject. I have a question regarding Japan-ROK relations. Tomorrow marks two months since Ambassador Yasumasa Nagamine was temporarily recalled over the issue of the comfort woman statue that was installed in front of the Japanese Consulate in Busan. Can you please share your comments? What is the outlook regarding the Ambassador’s return to duty?    

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: My comments? I have nothing to comment in particular. In any case, the date of the Ambassador’s return to duty is undecided. I expect that the date will be determined based on a comprehensive review of the various circumstances.

REPORTER: I have a related question. The Government of Japan is requesting the Republic of Korea (ROK) to steadily implement the Japan-ROK agreement. Do you anticipate that the temporary recall will be further prolonged unless the agreement is implemented?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We will decide by comprehensively examining the various circumstances. That is all there is to it.

REPORTER: I have a related question. In the meantime, incidents have occurred, including missile launches by North Korea. What impacts do you expect the Ambassador’s absence to have on Japan’s coordination with the ROK and so on?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Japanese and ROK defense ministers held a telephone talk, and the foreign ministers held a meeting. The two countries are working together closely. We believe we need to work together to respond to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. So actually we are working together closely.

REPORTER: I have a question in connection with the ROK. I asked this question this morning as well. Is the Government aware that there are moves to install a statue for the requisitioned workers in Busan, ROK?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are aware of this.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a related question. Just now you stated that you are aware of this. Does the Government intend to do anything to urge the ROK to prevent the installation of a new statute?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Through diplomatic channels, we have strongly requested that appropriate measures be taken.

(Abridged)