Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Since 2014, three male students attending public junior high schools in Sendai City have committed suicide after they were subject to bullying, and I have a question regarding this issue. When the third suicide was announced, initially the Chairman of the Board of Education and the school principal did not admit that there was bullying. They finally admitted it when the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) brought up the matter. Furthermore, it was only the other day that the incumbent Mayor Emiko Okuyama of Sendai City, who I understand had been Chairman of the Board of Education, established an independent committee. They have been slow to respond, and some have suggested that they are essentially covering up the situation and that MEXT should provide them direct guidance. Can you please share your views on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from responding to your question at this time as I am not aware of the details. I would naturally think that MEXT, too, would appropriately deal with this matter, including the aspect that you mentioned.

(Abridged)