"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister regarding Telephone Talks with Dr. Bourla, CEO of Pfizer

[Place]
[Date] April 19, 2021
[Source] Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet
[Notes] Provisional Translation
[Full text]

(On Telephone Talks with Dr. Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer, Inc.)

During my stay in the United States, I had telephone talks with Dr. Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer. I requested additional supplies of coronavirus vaccine to secure enough doses for all eligible people in Japan by September. Dr. Bourla told me that he would like to proceed swiftly with the discussion of the request. I believe that the sufficient supply by September is now in sight.

(On the results of the Japan-U.S. summit meeting)

The outcome of the meeting is in the Japan-US joint statement. And I believe that I was able to build a personal relationship of trust with President Biden. Another achievement can be seen through United States' commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

(On the media coverage of the Japanese journalist detained in Myanmar)

The Japanese embassy in Myanmar is now making all-out efforts to confirm the facts. We will expend all possible means to ensure the protection of Japanese nationals.

(On the status of infection with the novel coronavirus and countermeasures against the pandemic)

With regard to Osaka Prefecture, we are responding to the situation with an increasing sense of alarm. The Government of Japan and Osaka Prefecture are making utmost efforts to secure hospital beds. In any case, with the ongoing priority measures, such as for prevention of the spread of disease, we will respond to the situation accordingly while discussing with Osaka Prefecture.