(1.2.) REPORTER: As for the authenticity of the video that was uploaded, have you determined it to be highly likely that it was a message transmitted from the ISIL?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Through the relevant departments of the National Research Institute of Police Science and others evaluating it in comprehensive terms, we have concluded that the likelihood is high. (…)

REPORTER: At what time did the government learn of the video?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe it was somewhere around 5 AM.
REPORTER: Was that through Twitter?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes.
REPORTER: Related to that, was there no direct contact whatsoever from the so-called Islamic State to the Japanese government since the initial release of the video warning that Mr. Yukawa and Mr. Goto would be murdered?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: None, as I have been stating in press conferences right through to today. (…)

REPORTER: The group of perpetrators stated that next it will target all Japanese for acts of terrorism. Has the Government of Japan adopted a recognition that Japan too has now plunged full-scale into the war on terrorism?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan has been making its utmost efforts through to the present day to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals, and Japan will never give in to terrorism.