Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The “resignation of the Cabinet en masse” was decided. Today, following the convocation of a special Diet session, in accordance with Article 70 of the Constitution, the Cabinet resigned en masse.

Q&As

REPORTER: Did the Prime Minister make any statements at the Cabinet meeting or during ministerial discussions after the Cabinet meeting about the mass resignation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No, the Prime Minister did not make any particular comments.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Today will mark the inauguration of the fourth Abe Cabinet, so could you tell us what areas the new Cabinet will be focusing on as it engages in Government administration?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, following the resignation en masse of the Cabinet, the Diet is scheduled to formally designate the Prime Minister of Japan in the afternoon. Thereafter, a new Cabinet will be formed. I have nothing further to say prior to these procedures in the Diet.

REPORTER: A meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) was held last night. Could you tell us what was discussed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yesterday the NSC engaged in discussions on the FY2016 report on the status of permission for overseas transfer of defense equipment and technology , and also on the situation in Asia.

REPORTER: When you say “the situation in Asia,” are you referring to the situation in North Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I meant the situation in Asia as a whole.