"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 the Request from the Osaka Prefectural Government to Declare a State of Emergency

[Place]
[Date] April 20, 2021
[Source] Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet
[Notes] Provisional Translation
[Full text]

(On the request from the Osaka Prefectural Government to declare a state of emergency)

The Osaka Prefectural Government has requested to declare a state of emergency. The Government is responding to this request. We will swiftly make a decision by closely examining the situation and considering the details of measures to be taken.

We have also heard that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Hyogo Prefectural Government are considering a similar request. In any case, we will make a decision based on the situation.

(On the consideration by the Osaka Prefectural Government on the request to close businesses in a wide range of industries)

We have received various requests, so as I have just mentioned, we will make a decision while examining the situation.

(On the impact on the holding of Tokyo Olympic Games and decision to dissolve the House of Representatives)

I don't think there will be an impact on the Olympic Games. But the Government will do its utmost to ensure that the Games will be a safe and secure event. As for the dissolution of the House of Representatives, my answer is what I have been saying previously.

(On where the responsibility lies for not being able to contain the spread of infections even through the priority measures, such as for prevention of the spread of disease)

Let me just point out that in Miyagi Prefecture, where the priority measures, such as for prevention of the spread of disease, was first applied, the number of (new infection) cases is on the decline.