Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the Japan-U.S. Nuclear Energy Agreement. The Agreement will expire next July. The Agreement states that Japan and the United States can begin holding discussions to amend the Agreement if either party gives notice. What is the current status of the negotiations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Japan-U.S. Nuclear Energy Agreement you have referred to was initially set to expire in July of next year. However, we view that the Agreement forms one of the foundations of Japan’s nuclear energy activities. We will continue to work closely with the United States on a variety of matters related to Japan-U.S. nuclear energy cooperation, including the arrangements for this Agreement.

REPORTER: This Agreement provides for an exceptional measure allowing for the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel in Japan. Will the decommissioning of the Monju fast breeder reactor affect the negotiations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from elaborating on the status of the consultations.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Suspicions have been raised that North Korea is using funds obtained from state-sponsored crimes in order to develop nuclear weapons and missiles. I understand that as a method of cutting off North Korea’s foreign currency sources, the United States is discussing the development of new legislation for dealing with financial frauds involving vast sums of money, or cyberattacks resulting in data breaches. Does the Government have any intention of reviewing its responses in this regard?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I am not aware of the discussions in the United States. Having said that, generally speaking, the Government considers that cybersecurity is essential for crisis management and security, as well as for promoting Japan’s economic growth. If there are thus reports that, for example, money was transferred illegally by an international interbank money transfer system, then the National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) and the Financial Services Agency will issue the necessary alerts to financial institutions. In any event, the Government will continue to take steps to enhance Japan’s cybersecurity measures, including measures for financial institutions.