Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: North Korean wooden boats were discovered off the coast of Noto Peninsula today. It seems the boats went adrift. What information do you have about this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At around 10 am on November 28, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) discovered what appeared to be two North Korean fishing boats that had cast adrift off the coast of Noto Peninsula. As a result of the JCG’s investigation, it was confirmed that both were North Korean fishing boats and that they did not pose any imminent danger. I have been briefed that when a patrol vessel and so on  were monitoring both boats, a consort ship arrived at the scene and rescued the crew members.

REPORTER: Recently North Korean boats or what appears to be North Korean boats have cast adrift in succession. What does the Government know about the causes and the background of these incidents?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Government would like to refrain from responding based on conjecture. In any event, the JCG and police are working together closely to take necessary measures under normal circumstances such as conducting required monitoring and surveillance, including patrols of the coastal areas of the Sea of Japan, urging fishing cooperatives, local residents, and crime prevention organizations to report any suspicious persons and items that they discover, securing mechanisms for swift communication with local governments and relevant organizations. The Government will continue to strengthen measures to deal with suspicious boats and individuals.