Press Conference by the Prime Minister on the Death of Users of the Argus NerveGear Helmet and Other Matters
November 6, 2022
(On the deaths of VR helmet users, etc.)
First of all, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the 213 people who were killed whilst playing with their new VR helmets. To lose someone so suddenly in such a manner is painful beyond comprehension, and words cannot totally express the sorrow they must be facing.
I would also like to express a commitment to the families of others still unable to free their loved ones from these helmets that we are doing whatever is necessary to help get them out of this situation. As a nation, we will get through this struggle together.
To that end, we have been negotiating with this supposed mastermind of this apparent attack, and they have agreed to allow us two hours to move people into hospitals for monitoring. I can assure you, we are committed to taking care of our citizens in need during this trying time. We are commencing efforts to bring as many people trapped in the helmets to the hospitals as we can. It may not be long enough, but we have to keep trying.
As such, we have also been coordinating with the authorities, the Red Cross, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, and Argus Corporation to help assist in this endeavor. We have also received offers of assistance from the United States, China, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and a number of other nations to help assist us in this time.
Finally, I state resolutely, what has happened here is a terrorist attack. I say this because the evidence is clear that this was aimed at destabilizing our country, our economy, our families. As a nation, we will not allow any perpetrator or perpetrators who wish to sow fear into the people to wreak havoc. We will prevail over fear.
I ask you to keep us in your prayers at this time.
Thank you.