Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: President Trump recently announced his so-called “Fake News Awards.” Could you please share the Government’s view of this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As a representative of the Government of Japan, I would like to refrain from commenting on the domestic matters of another country.

REPORTER: If Japan were to have its own version of the Fake News Awards, are there any potential recipients you could think of?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Various articles come to mind but I would like to refrain from commenting.

REPORTER: I have a question about bitcoin, a cryptocurrency. On January 17, the value of bitcoin fell rapidly at major exchanges in Japan. For the first time in approximately two months, the value of one bitcoin temporarily fell below 1 million yen, less than half the maximum value of over 2.3 million yen recorded last December. In part due to such circumstances, countries around the world are moving to tighten regulations. How does the Government intend to respond?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: To date the Government has advanced a number of initiatives, including introducing a system for registering companies that trade cryptocurrencies, preparing regulations for protecting consumers and for preventing money laundering and terrorist funding as well as issuing warnings regarding cases in which problems have occurred. We have implemented these measures while taking care to balance the promotion of innovation and the protection of consumers. In any case, we will continue to pay close attention to developments in the cryptocurrency markets and monitor the structure of trading companies.

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the Prime Minister’s attendance at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Chief Representative Yamaguchi of Komeito said in a press conference that he hopes that the Prime Minister would attend. In yesterday’s meeting between the secretary-generals and Diet Affairs Committee chairpersons from the ruling parties, a similar understanding was expressed. What are your thoughts regarding the fact that various members of the ruling parties have expressed their hope that the Prime Minister would attend?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have explained on several occasions, this matter will be considered based on the schedule of the Diet, among other factors. Nothing has been decided, including when we will determine whether or not the Prime Minister will attend the Games.