[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister regarding the Earthquake Centered in Hyuga-nada, Miyazaki Prefecture, and the Nankai Trough Earthquake Emergency Information

(On what specific system is in place for emergency response and information gathering, following the cancellation of the Central Asia trip to focus on responding to the earthquake and disseminating information, and on if there is any plan to participate online in the "Central Asia + Japan" dialogue and summit meetings)

Following the earthquake that occurred yesterday and the announcement of the Nankai Trough Emergency Information, a Conference on Disaster Countermeasures, led by Disaster Management Minister Matsumura, was held with related ministries and agencies. The meeting called on each ministry to maintain close cooperation with local governments and related institutions and to continue responding with a sense of urgency while establishing a vigilance system. I myself will be receiving updates at any time if there is any unusual or additional information, and I will continue to ensure that crisis management is handled with utmost care.

I understand that many people may feel confused or anxious about the first-ever issuance of the "Nankai Trough Earthquake Emergency Information." However, as I have already explained, this information does not request preemptive evacuation, nor does it specify a particular period during which an earthquake will occur. Given that Japan is a country where earthquakes frequently occur, this information is intended to encourage people to reconfirm their earthquake preparedness in daily life, while continuing social and economic activities, in preparation for the possibility of a major earthquake occurring again after a large one.

I would like to ask the people of Japan to fully understand the nature of this information and, while continuing with their usual social and economic activities, including travel and returning home for summer vacation, to take steps over the next week to review preparations for earthquakes, such as securing furniture, identifying safe evacuation routes and locations, confirming communication methods with family members, and ensuring that they can evacuate immediately in the event of an earthquake.

As I mentioned at the press conference in Nagasaki today, I have decided to postpone the planned visit to Central Asia and Mongolia in order to focus on crisis management and disaster response. At present, there are no plans to participate in meetings online, but I will participate in the "Central Asia + Japan" Business Forum, which is already underway on-site, via a video message. As for the visit to these countries, I intend to make appropriate adjustments based on future developments. However, Japan's intention to continue strongly promoting relations with Central Asia and Mongolia remains unchanged. Earlier, I had telephone talks with the leaders of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, during which I conveyed this message. I plan to directly convey Japan's commitment to strengthening ties with Central Asia and Mongolia to the leaders of the other countries as well. That's all.

(On the status of damage reported and the government's response going forward, given an earthquake with a seismic intensity of 5 lower occurred in Kanagawa Prefecture)

As of now, I have not received any reports of damage, but in any case, we will confirm the situation, and please expect due announcements to be made by the Meteorological Agency and others.