Taro Kono

Given such issues as North Korea, everyone probably understands the importance of this agreement. But this decision was made while linking it to Japan's review of export controls, i cannot help saying they are completely misreading the security environment.

In that sense, I want to firmly make progress towards resolving (this matter), i think the fact that we ... were able to talk in this difficult situation could lead to big progress towards resolving this problem.

This is an important framework for the United States, Japan and South Korea and ... should be maintained.

We confirmed that security assurances will be provided to North Korea as agreed in the summit. At the same time we have reaffirmed that the international community will continue to fully implement relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions.

He repeated that he would protect the interests of Japanese companies, for which we are very grateful.

The PM's directive is very clear. If we point out any items that are not spent well it has to be out of the budget, that's why a few ministers are not speaking to me right now.

In my portfolio, I can ask them if the money is spent wisely and that's what I have been doing and the nuclear fuel cycle is no exception.

If they are not doing a good job, the review next year will be al... by Taro Kono

If they are not doing a good job, the review next year will be all nuclear, maybe.

Even if you magically increased the birth rate by tomorrow, still it would take these babies 20 years to grow, so we really need to do something about the labor market, people talk about getting more women (and) ... more senior people to stay in the labor market. We obviously have to do both, and that still will not be enough.

We probably need some kind of integrated policy in the future. That's what I call immigration policy or foreign workers policy - integrated, not just piece by piece.