Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Toshiba held a Board of Directors’ meeting and decided to sell its semiconductor subsidiary Toshiba Memory Corporation to a Japan-U.S.-ROK alliance centered around Bain Capital in the United States. This is expected to finally move the process forward towards restoring the company. Can you please share your comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I have been briefed that at Toshiba’s Board of Directors’ meeting this morning, discussion took place on the buyer of Toshiba Memory Corporation. However, Toshiba has not made a formal announcement at this time. Toshiba’s semiconductors are highly competitive even by global standards, and are critical for maintaining employment in Japan. We will thus continue to follow the developments.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: A major earthquake has struck Mexico. Do you have any information about the safety of Japanese nationals? Can you also explain what responses the Government will be taking, including provision of any assistance?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, we extend our sympathies to the Government and the people of Mexico that was hit by an earthquake, and express our condolences for the many victims. We are still verifying the extent of the damages. According to local media, a large number of people were affected by this earthquake, and it has caused physical damages including the destruction of a considerable number of houses. The Japanese diplomatic missions there are currently confirming the safety of Japanese nationals. As of now we have not received information that Japanese nationals have been hurt. The Government intends to dispatch the Japan Disaster Relief Team to save human lives in accordance with the request from the Government of Mexico. The Government will continue to extend steady assistance based on the needs of the Government of Mexico.

REPORTER: In light of the situation in North Korea, is the Government considering having any of the ministers who are members of the National Security Council (NSC) remain on standby in the Tokyo area if a so-called political vacuum were to result, irrespective of whether it is during election period?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, it is the Prime Minister who has the exclusive right to dissolve the House of Representatives. Accordingly, I would like to refrain from making comments. The Prime Minister has stated that he would make a decision upon returning to Japan. That says it all. Having said that, generally speaking, if a meeting of the NSC is deemed to be necessary, then a meeting will be held in accordance with the provisions of laws and ordinances under the instructions of the Prime Minister who is the NSC’s chairperson. In any event, the Government is taking all possible measures to protect the lives and peaceful daily lives of the people.