Chairman Okuda's Press Conference

January 11, 2005

Following is the gist of remarks made by Mr. Hiroshi Okuda, Chairman, Nippon Keidanren, at a press conference after monthly-scheduled Chairman and Vice Chairmen's meeting on January 11, 2005. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.

(On report by the Committee on Constitutional Policy expected later this month)

Thorough discussions took place on a variety of topics including Article 9 section 2 (possession of military in settling international disputes) as well as Article 96 of the Constitution (amendments).

(On earthquake off Sumatra Island)

Japan's government is doing much better in recent weeks, including how Self Defense Force has helped victims, while initial reaction appeared slow. It must be said, however, that media needed to be disciplined in producing TV programs after the earthquake. Business sector is making a variety of contributions to help those in needs.

(On comprehensive reform of social security system)

Current reform on social security, done annually per pension, medical insurance, and long-term care insurance, have all been seeking justification per parts, not as the whole. The entire system needs to be adjusted from all factors including the source, such as consumption tax. As the ruling coalition concluded in its December 2003 tax reform resolution, the entire social security system should be reviewed by fiscal 2007.

(On Keidanren's policy evaluation on political parties)

The government will conclude its annual report in September and we won't know the amount collected by political parties before. It is found that more companies decided to contribute, and declining trend is expected to stop.

(On settlement of inventor's reward on blue-ray LED lawsuit)

It must be said that in Japan issue of inventor's reward has not been a public issue before. In future labor contracts companies should and will define this clause carefully. Reported compensation appear feasible from Japan's social just of the date.


Home Page in English