The trend in the world right now is - not just in developed countries, but in developing countries including China and India - there is a movement to build more and more nuclear plants.

If you are unable to understand the cause of a problem it is impossible to solve it.

So, Japan as a country has lost its vigor, it feels very much closed in for various reasons.

In fact, the Senkaku Islands are... inherent territory of Japan that is recognized in our history and also by international law.

I wouldn't call myself anti-nuclear. I seek a society non-reliant on nuclear energy, a society that can do without nuclear energy, and Japan can prove a role model. It’s possible.

China has become a major presence for most countries around the world but notably for its neighboring countries in Asia. So I think it is a common position for Japan and its Asian neighbors that we certainly would strive to maintain as much as possible friendly relations with China.

I believe in any country, matters that relate to its territory would, of course, provoke strong sentiments amongst the people of that country.