Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
(There was a statement on the overview of the Cabinet meeting and others.)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question about the Prime Minister’s visit to Okinawa to attend the prefectural funeral for the late Mr. Masahide Ota, the former Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, which you mentioned in your opening statement. Could you tell us the reason for the Prime Minister’s attendance?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, for eight years, Mr. Ota worked tirelessly on the base issue and on measures to promote the development of Okinawa. He also promoted peaceful government. Mr. Ota leaves as his legacy the agreement between the governments of Japan and the United States on the full return of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma and the final report of the Special Action Committee on Okinawa (SACO), both of which were completed during his tenure as governor. On behalf of the Government the Prime Minister will attend the funeral to honor the achievements of Mr. Ota, express his condolences and pray for the repose of Mr. Ota’s soul.

REPORTER: With regard to the Prime Minister’s schedule for tomorrow, other than attending the prefectural funeral for Mr. Ota, does the Prime Minister have anything else on his schedule while he is in Okinawa Prefecture?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Not that I am aware of.

REPORTER: Will the Prime Minister be meeting with Governor Onaga of Okinawa Prefecture?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of the details, but he will be attending the prefectural funeral tomorrow.