Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: Tomorrow, March 16, will mark exactly two years since a video was released, which is said to show Mr. Jumpei Yasuda, a freelance journalist missing in Syria being detained by an armed group. Does the Government have any information regarding the safety of Mr. Yasuda?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I would like to refrain from making comments due to the nature of this matter. In any event, based on the recognition that it is the greatest responsibility of the Government to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals, we are continuing to make every effort to deal with this matter by fully utilizing a variety of information networks.
 
REPORTER: You stated that the Government is making every effort in its response. Do you have any prospect of the release of Mr. Yasuda? Would you mind sharing your recognition on that point with us?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Based on the recognition that it is the greatest responsibility of the Government to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals, we are continuing to make every effort to deal with this matter by fully utilizing a variety of information networks.
 
(Abridged)