[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister regarding His Visit to the United States and Other Matters

(On the summit meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden)

Through this visit to the United States, I will build a relationship of trust with President Biden and make the Japan-U.S. alliance, bonded by the universal values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, more robust. And at the meeting, I would like to discuss a wide range of matters of interest to the respective two countries. My visit will also demonstrate to the world the leadership of Japan and the United States toward the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

(On the meeting of the five relevant ministers)

We have just held a meeting attended by the five relevant ministers and analyzed the number of infections nationwide and such and had a discussion. We also received a report that the Aichi Prefectural Government had made a request to apply priority measures for preventing the spread of disease. Aichi Prefecture saw a large increase in the number of new infection cases, with those infected with coronavirus variants rising in number too. Hence, we decided to consult the expert committee tomorrow over the application of the measures in Aichi Prefecture and other regions. I instructed Chief Cabinet Secretary KATO to make the necessary responses as the acting chair of the Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters. During my visit to the U.S., I will respond thoroughly in close collaboration with him.

(On the remarks by Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General NIKAI about the possibility of canceling the Tokyo Olympics)

Subsequently, Secretary-General NIKAI made comments that there was no change in the party's intention to provide robust support to hold safe and secure Olympic Games. The Government also remains unchanged in making every effort to prevent infections to organize the Games.