Press Conference

1. Announcements

None

2. Questions and Answers

Question:
You have two conferences scheduled with Governor Nakaima - in Tokyo and Okinawa - for this evening and tomorrow. What kind of things are you going to discuss with Governor Nakaima, and what would you like to convey to him?

Minister:
I am hoping to meet with Governor Nakaima as many times as I possibly can. I feel that there will be many opinions from the people of Okinawa and personally from the Governor as we continue our Japan-U.S. discussions. I would like to accept these opinions seriously and take actions based on these opinions. Therefore, I am hoping to directly hear these opinions first-hand. Also, in this visit to Okinawa, I would like to gain further understanding of the land south of Kadena Air Base that is going to be returned, and I have set my schedule according to this objective.

Question:
Changing the topic, I would like to ask about the publication of assets held by the cabinet Ministers, which will be released this evening. How do you feel about your own assets?

Minister:
It is as what I have submitted, and there is no mistake. There is nothing more to say than that.

Question:
It seems that you have a slight excess in land and such compared to the other cabinet Ministers?

Minister:
The land that I had inherited is in Tokyo, so I feel that the figures reflect the fact that it has considerable asset value in comparison to its actual area. However, it is as it is given.

Question:
How do you feel about the system of publication of assets held by cabinet Ministers?

Minister:
It has become established, so I feel that we should continue on with this, and we have been acting in accordance with the system.

Question:
You will be going to Okinawa today. So, how is the current situation going with regard to the investigation on the issue of the lecture given by the Director-General of the Okinawa Defense Bureau?

Minister:
The investigation is ongoing, and I will be briefed when the report document on this has been compiled. I have not yet received any report on when this is going to be finalized, so we are currently continuing the investigation.

Question:
You mentioned in the previous press conference that you will be "expediting" this. How has this been realized in terms of time?

Minister:
We will also be investigating into the recent past events. Then, a report will be given by the operations rationalization committee on whether this so-called "manual" for the MOD with regard to elections is truly appropriate or not, and we are simultaneously conducting work on this as well.

Question:
U.S Defense Secretary Panetta indicated yesterday at the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services that there will be "no reductions" in Japan's share of the burden on the Guam relocation. What is your take on this?

Minister:
I have been briefed that such press reports have been released, but I have not confirmed the details. The discussions are about to begin on this, so with regard to what you mentioned, I feel that we need to consider the discussions as a priority.

(End)