Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: It has come to light that Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako, the eldest daughter of Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino, is engaged. Can you please share the comments of the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are aware of such news reports. The Imperial Household Agency has briefed us that no official announcement has been made. At this time we would like to wait quietly for the official announcement.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the actions of the United Nations Security Council. It seems that, the members have been unable to come to an agreement on additional measures, including new sanctions, and the discussions are ongoing at the emergency meeting. What is the outlook of the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, Ambassador Bessho, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, strongly condemned the latest missile launch, stating that it constituted a threat to the region and the international community on the whole, and welcomed that the Security Council was able to unanimously agree on and issue a press statement containing strong content. He stressed that there is no point in having dialogue with North Korea for the sake of dialogue, and that we need to put pressure on North Korea. We believe that through this emergency meeting and other fora, it is important above all else that the Security Council works in solidarity and demonstrates a tough stance towards North Korea. Japan seeks to ensure the effectiveness of the relevant Security Council resolutions and thoroughly implement Japan’s own measures. We will strongly call on members to ensure such effectiveness.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Does that mean that at this time, it is hard to predict whether there will be agreement on additional sanctions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the Security Council has implemented sanctions a number of times so far. The question of how sanctions are implemented is also extremely important. First, it is important that members put steady pressure on North Korea with regard to what has been decided, in accordance with the resolutions. As for further sanctions, we view that they need to be discussed at a variety of fora.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding a different matter. With the threat of cyberattacks rising, the Government has reportedly admitted 47 people into its white hacker training program. Approximately one out of every eight people were selected, among whom are 17 minors, including a 10-year-old primary school student and a 14-year-old junior high school student. The ages of the admitted people are exceptionally low. Can you please share your views?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to the training of advanced security personnel, young human resources will be trained under the human resources development program that has already been approved by the Government. Based on rigorous screening conducted by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), 47 people including 17 minors have been admitted into this program. Minors are required to submit a letter of consent from their parent. This program was established based on our belief that extensive education on ethics is needed in addition to the provision of guidance on security technologies. The Government will undertake steady efforts to train human resources who will be in charge of cybersecurity in Japan.

REPORTER: Is it true that the admitted people include a 10-year-old primary school student as has been reported? If it is true, I would think this is quite amazing.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of the details. At the very least I have been informed that 17 minors were admitted, and that the age range is considerably different from before.