Press Conference

1. Announcements

I would like to make an announcement regarding the issuing of a preparation order. The General Order for the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) regarding the preparations for the destruction measures against ballistic missiles was issued a short while ago. This is an order given to the SDF units including all air units to implement the necessary preparations in view of the recent notice of a launch given by North Korea. Through this order, the SDF will conduct the necessary preparations such as conducting research on the possible specific candidate locations to deploy the PAC-3. With regard to this matter, a discussion was conducted this morning with the four related Ministers - the Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minister for Foreign Affairs and myself - and we have come to share the same recognition. Also, with regard to the Ministry itself, a Defense Council was held, in which I gave instructions. The MOD/SDF will expend all possible means to securely implement the necessary preparations in order to protect the lives and property of the people.

2. Questions and Answers

Question:
What sort of discussions were held in the related Cabinet Minister meeting and the defense council? Also, where is the planned deployment location for the PAC-3?

Minister:
As a possible candidate research location for deployment of the PAC-3 units, we are envisaging Okinawa Island, Miyako Island, Ishigaki Island and the Metropolitan Area. In the four Cabinet Minister meetings, I have reported on our intention to conduct specific research on this, and have received approval to go forward with the research. A Security Council is scheduled to be convened during this week, so I have also received approval to go into preparation for this as well.

Question:
Do you have any plans to visit Okinawa prefecture which will be the municipality that is slated for deployment?

Minister:
I will be making a visit at the end of the month. However, I informed the Governor of this deployment matter yesterday. I have received some positive words on this.

Question:
The opposition said in yesterday's budget committee that "concerning this current order for destruction measures, are you giving answers without fully understanding the context? Isn't this situation inappropriate for issuing the order for destruction measures and these preparation orders?"

Minister:
The deliberations are deliberations. I am doing what is appropriate for a Defense Minister to do. I heard various opinions in today's Defense Council and I feel that I have given the right decisions.

Question:
You mentioned that the Security Council will be held during this week. Can we assume this to mean that the Security Council will be held on Friday, and the order for destruction measures will be given after that?

Minister:
It means that the Security Council will be held within this week.

Question:
You mentioned the Metropolitan Area as the location for deployment. Can we assume that this will be Tokyo?

Minister:
We are currently still in preparation.

Question:
The Governor's (written) opinion toward the Environmental Impact Assessment Report is scheduled to come out today.

Minister:
With regard to that, I would like to give my comments on a different occasion.

Question:
Will you be giving the comment today?

Minister:
No. I would like to consider the content first.

(End)