Press Conference

Press Conference by the Defense Minister (9:25-9:27 A.M. September 16, 2009): Press Conference by the Defense Minister
Time & Date: 9:25-9:27 A.M. September 16, 2009
Place: Press Conference Room, Ministry of Defense (MOD)

(This is a provisional translation of an announcement by the Defense Minister and the abstract of the Q&A session at the subsequent press conference for reference purposes only)
The original text is in Japanese.

1. Announcements

None.

2. Questions and Answers

Question:
About today’s Cabinet Meeting, we hear that it was slightly longer than usual. How was the atmosphere of the meeting?

Minister:
The meeting ended in a calm and smooth atmosphere.

Question:
For the second question, reflecting on this year, what would you like to emphasize the most, as things you have done well or your achievements?

Minister:
I think I was able to complete the tasks that I was instructed to do by the Prime Minister. The Replenishment Support Special Measures Law was passed. I met US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates twice and attended the first trilateral meeting with the US Defense Secretary and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Defense Minister. Various laws were enacted, and there were also responses made toward North Korea. Although various problems emerged on our side, I am confident that they were important experiences for the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) by giving them chances to consider ways to deal with similar cases. For me, I think it was a satisfactory year.

Question:
Do you have any requests for the new administration?

Minister:
I have none in particular.

(For the remainder of the press conference, please refer to the Japanese version.)