Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
 
(Abridged)
 
Q&As
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: I have a question regarding North Korea. Foreign Minister Kono stated, in his press conference following the Cabinet meeting, “There is an atmosphere that North Korea is attempting to use the Olympics for political purposes.” What are your thoughts regarding his remarks? If you have similar views, could you tell us which actions you think are regarded as such political purposes exactly?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I ask you to direct questions about the Minister’s remarks to him. In any event, it is believed that through the ROK-North Korea consultations, North Korea hopes to steer international attention away from its development of nuclear weapons and missiles and gain time for continuing their development, as well as to get the sanctions lifted, receive financial assistance, terminate the U.S.-ROK joint military exercises, and drive a wedge in the collaboration among relevant countries. We cannot be blinded by North Korea’s diplomatic charm offensive.
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: The Government has developed an e-mail system for Japanese nationals staying in the Republic of Korea (ROK) so that, if an emergency situation were to occur on the Korean Peninsula, they can report back their safety and whereabouts in response to a message. A drill was conducted on January 30 in Seoul that also included sending out test e-mails. What is your evaluation of the drill? What operational issues will need to be addressed if any?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is true that a drill was conducted. With the cooperation of a total of 400 people, including those from Japan’s diplomatic missions in the ROK and some members of the Seoul Japan Club, a drill to confirm the safety of Japanese nationals was carried out on January 30 by way of consular service e-mails and other means. The drill found that it is possible to swiftly confirm the safety of Japanese nationals. We intend to hold drills in other countries as well, by increasing the number of people who are covered by this system. In order to confirm the safety of Japanese nationals with greater certainty and reach, the Overseas Residential Registration and Overseas Travel Registration (“Tabi-Regi”) information are needed. Therefore, we will also work to steadily raise awareness regarding these initiatives.