[Title] [COVID-19] Press Conference on the Request by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to Apply Priority Measures to Prevent the Spread of Disease

(On the request by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to apply priority measures, such as for prevention of the spread of disease)

At present, we have not received any request. In this context, we would like to make a decision by listening to the opinions of local governments and experts, while considering the number of new cases of infection and the availability of hospital beds.

(On the meeting with JF Zengyoren)

Regarding the reconstruction of Fukushima, I would like to first mention that the discharge of treated water is an unavoidable issue. Under such circumstances, I had talks with people in the fishing industry and listened to the opinions of people with various perspectives. I believe we had a very meaningful discussion. I also spoke about the assessments of experts compiled during six years of research, along with reputational damage and other related matters. We will make a decision within days based on the opinions we have received so far, including those from today's meeting.

(On the timing of the meeting with JF Zengyoren)

The meeting was set much earlier but ended up being long delayed due to the issuance of a state of emergency declaration in Tokyo and others.

(On the dialogue with fishermen)

I have been informed that Minister Kajiyama has had a number of talks with them.

(On the need for TEPCO to pay compensation in the event of reputational damage caused by environmental discharge)

I should refrain from commenting on hypothetical matters. In any case, I believe it is absolutely necessary to make efforts to minimize the reputational damage.

(On the ministerial meeting schedule on the discharge of treated water)

I understand that the meeting has yet to be set at present.

(On the application of priority measures, such as for prevention of the spread of disease, to Tokyo)

As I mentioned earlier, I will make a decision after hearing opinions from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and expert committee members, while considering the number of new cases of infection and the availability of hospital beds.

(On the consultations about the application of priority measures, such as for prevention of the spread of disease, to Tokyo)

The consultations are yet to be set.

(On the opinions against the discharge of treated water into the sea)

I am aware that there are many opinions particularly in Fukushima Prefecture.

(On the timing of the meeting with JF Zengyoren [follow-up question])

As I mentioned earlier, the meeting was delayed until today precisely due to the novel

coronavirus.

(On how the government will respond going forward)

I have yet to set the direction. Once the direction is set, needless to say, I will respond thoroughly.