Provisional Translation

Q.

I’d like to ask a question related to the pension issue, a concern which was raised by the FSA’s report. The opposition parties attempted to make this issue a key point in the House of Councillors elections, but looking at polls in various media, notably the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, many respondents did not appear to be shocked to hear that the pension may not be sufficient, and that was the atmosphere surrounding the election. As you were campaigning in many areas, I’d like to ask you what your impression was of the voter’s opinions regarding the pension issue.

A.

There wasn’t much interest in talking about the pension; that was the reaction. Unlike 12 years ago, there wasn’t much on the topic said directly to me, and in that sense I didn’t see much interest. Basically, for an issue such as this, it is written in a way which causes concerns, and I wonder whether or not that’s fair. At any rate, in regard to the things that were pointed out in this case, we see the pension as being a pillar of livelihood in old age. However, while there are some who think their pensions will be insufficient, others think their pensions will be adequate. There is a wide range of situations. As such, I imagine there will be a range of reactions. While listening to various opinions from various people, there are many who will express their opinions in a short period of time. I’ve heard various opinions from both sides. Many different kinds of people have spoken their minds, and I feel the reality is that there actually is a wide range of various opinions.

Q.

My question is related to the issue of the report. While not the main topic of the report, the 20 million yen figure and the 50 thousand yen figure were put forward too soon. The need for asset building was originally raised by the Financial System Council or the FSA. Yet at the critical juncture of this election, the discussion was interrupted by saying that you will not accept the report, and now those discussions have stopped. Now with the election over, do you think those discussions moving forward?

A.

It doesn’t have anything to do with the election being over. In various ways this issue is a basic topic for the council. We’ve been talking about it for a long time. Various discussions on the topic are necessary. I have not heard when they will happen or how they will be carried out, but I believe they definitely must be done.