Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject to ask about the Japan-U.S. summit telephone talk held this morning. During the telephone talk, there was discussion of Prime Minister Abe and President Trump playing golf on November 5 with professional golfer Hideki Matsuyama. If any details have been decided, can you please share them?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: After my extended morning press conference, I joined the telephone meeting after that topic had already finished. I am thus not aware of the details. However, I am of course aware that such a conversation took place.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a related question. Newly elected opposition party candidates have pushed the issues related to Henoko to the forefront. How will this election result affect the Government’s policy on the relocation to Henoko going forward?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government’s plan on the relocation to Henoko was advanced following the approvals from the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture at the time and the Mayor of Nago City at the time. The decision on the relocation to Henoko was made in view of the fact that it is the only solution to remove the dangers posed by Futenma Air Station and to elevate deterrence capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. There is no change to the Government’s stance of carrying out the relocation while paying attention to the residents and natural environment.

REPORTER: I have one more related question. The mayoral election for Nago City will be held in early 2018, and in fall 2018 there will be the election for the governor of Okinawa. The House of Representatives election served as a preliminary skirmish for these elections within Okinawa, so can I ask for your thoughts on these effects?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Local communities face a variety of issues such as economic issues, and especially in Okinawa, pre-school education is one such issue. Elections are held under such circumstances, and there is more than one issue involved in the elections.