Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Governor Koike of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has criticized Prime Minister Abe’s intention to dissolve the House of Representatives at the beginning of the session, noting that no good will come out of creating a political vacuum given the situation in North Korea. The Democratic Party has also criticized the move for creating a political vacuum. Can you please share your comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, as I often say, the Government is steadily at work every day. It is not the Government that is dissolving. The Government is making every effort to protect the safety and security of the people without ever taking breaks. As I stated earlier, the Prime Minister explained that the House of Representatives was dissolved because he wanted to overcome the pressing issue of the declining birthrate and aging population by changing how consumption tax revenues are spent. It is truly investment in the future. The Prime Minister explained that with tensions rising over the North Korean situation, it is necessary to seek a popular mandate for securing the lives and peaceful daily lives of the people and achieve a breakthrough in the national difficulties. I believe that says it all.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the topic to the Pyeongchang Olympic Games in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The official website of the Pyeongchang Olympic Games contains a webpage for the Dream Programme. The Japanese archipelago is not included in the world map that is posted on this webpage. Can you please explain the Government’s understanding of the situation and what responses it will be taking?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that the Japanese archipelago is not included in the map on the website. This morning, the Japan Sports Agency pointed this out to the Embassy of the ROK in Tokyo and requested that this be corrected quickly. The Government will continue to surely deal with this matter.

REPORTER: The website of the Pyeongchang Olympic Games of the ROK has included political messages in the past as well, listing Takeshima as “Dokdo” and referring to the Sea of Japan as “East Sea”. They all seem to be inappropriate notations. What is the opinion of the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: They are extremely inappropriate, and the Government has lodged a strong protest and requested a correction every time it comes to light. The Government will continue to take firm responses.

(Abridged)