Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning comfort woman statues. The City Assembly of San Francisco has voted unanimously to accept the donation of a comfort woman statue and inscription that have been installed in San Francisco. Can I ask for a comment from the Government on this outcome and about any response that will be made?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, moves to install comfort woman statues in the United States, including the one in San Francisco, are incompatible with the Government’s position and as such are extremely regrettable. The Government has repeatedly explained its position on this matter and has provided explanations to various persons concerned, in an attempt to avoid such outcomes. We will continue to engage diligently in such activities going forward.

REPORTER: The Mayor of Osaka has spoken about annulling the sister city relationship with San Francisco. Do you have any views on this point?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I would like to refrain from commenting on remarks made by the head of a local government. In any event the installation of comfort women statues is incompatible with the Government’s position and is extremely regrettable. We will continue to make efforts to seek that such statues are not installed.

REPORTER: The Cabinet Office has released preliminary estimates of GDP for the July to September quarter, which show positive GDP growth for the seventh consecutive quarter. Can I ask for a comment on these figures?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, as you noted in your question, positive GDP growth has now been recorded for seven consecutive quarters, which is the first time in 16 years that this has occurred. In addition, in this quarter real GDP growth increased 0.3 percent over the previous quarter, resulting in a 1.4 percent increase at an annualized rate. Nominal GDP stands at 546 trillion yen, the largest-ever figure. The Government considers that these figures demonstrate that the economy is recovering gradually. The Government is currently looking to formulate a new economic policy package by the beginning of December, in order to promote the productivity revolution and the human resources development revolution. We are also looking to compile a supplementary budget by the end of the year in order to respond to additional financial requirements, including disaster response measures. In any event, the Government will continue to make every effort to promote policies that will ensure the continuation of the current recovery trend.

REPORTER: Since the launch of a ballistic missile on September 15, North Korea has not engaged in any provocative actions for two months. Is it the Government’s view that this is the result of strengthened efforts by the international community to encircle North Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, it is a fact that no nuclear tests or test launches of ballistic missiles have been carried out in the last two months. I would like to refrain from making any presumptions as to the reason or purpose behind this hiatus. However, North Korea has not changed its position and is continuing to engage in nuclear and missile development, in contravention of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the clearly expressed views of the international community. Accordingly, the Government recognizes that there is, therefore, a possibility that North Korea will engage in further provocative actions in the future. The Government will continue to work closely together with the United States and the Republic of Korea in urging North Korea to refrain from provocative actions and comply with all relevant UNSC resolutions. We will continue to maintain an advanced surveillance and monitoring posture in order to protect the lives and peaceful livelihoods of the people of Japan. With a sense of urgency, we will continue to gather information and maintain the surveillance and monitoring structure so that we are able to respond to any situation and firmly protect the peace and security of the nation.