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[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Ishikawa Prefecture and Fukui Prefecture aboard the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which had its service extended to Kanazawa Station on March 14.
First, upon arriving at Kanazawa Station, Prime Minister Abe conversed with those involved with the Shinkansen locally about the effect it has had following the start of service, and other matters.

Following this, at Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture, Prime Minister Abe visited housing furnished with services for the elderly that accepts those wishing to move from urban areas to the regions, and conversed with residents there. Afterwards, in Hakusan City, the Prime Minister visited an agricultural corporation working independently for the production, processing and sales of agricultural products made primarily by young farmers, where he tasted some processed products. Following this, in Komatsu City, the Prime Minister visited a factory that is collaborating with the regions to use cutting-edge energy saving technology, and conversed with employees there.

After that, in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, Prime Minister Abe visited an SME that is driving the regional economy forward through investments in research and capital, where he attended a plating experiment. Following that, the Prime Minister visited the Fukui Chamber of Commerce and Industry for an exchange of opinions with current students, exchange students, and graduates of the University of Fukui. Lastly, in Sabae City, the Prime Minister visited a regional medium-sized enterprise that is advancing into a new field using its technological capabilities and developing its business overseas.

After the visit, the Prime Minister said,

“Shinkansen service has been extended to Kanazawa. I rode that Shinkansen for the first time today. It took two and a half hours to arrive at Kanazawa and it was an extremely pleasant ride. The station was filled with vibrancy, and it made me think that this is the effect of extending Shinkansen service. The number of tourists has increased as well, doubling for Kanazawa.

In addition to that, I was able to see examples of the fact that the fresh passion and innovation of young people in agriculture is truly turning the field into a growth industry. There is no doubt that through work for commercialization of “the sixth industry” (collaboration of primary, secondary and tertiary industries), the incomes of agricultural areas and the agricultural industry will increase. I am convinced of that.

I also learned about the various initiatives of regional universities in order to achieve the thorough placement of talent in regional companies. This included examples of initiatives undertaken by those in the regional economy to allow even more students to work together with regional universities and find work in the regions.

Regional SMEs are truly using their technological capabilities to work globally. I have come to feel that we have truly entered such an era. I believe that what I have seen here was a tremendous resource in advancing regional vitalization. I want to continue supporting all those in the regions, who are working hard and drawing out fresh vitality and innovation. I want the Government to trust in the true power of the regions while continuing to support it. 

As a part of that, the Government has started an initiative to waive loan payments for students who find work in the regions. In addition, I spoke with people taking up residence at Share Kanazawa. Retired elderly people, together with young people, are creating a community there and leading vibrant lives. I think that this is a wonderful experiment – even exchange students from overseas are living with them there, allowing the elderly to live their remaining years with purpose and stimulation. I hope to develop this kind of new initiative all across the country.
During my visit this time, I also saw for myself the truly new intellectual property present in the regions. I have instructed the Government to move forward on strengthening the intellectual property strategy for SMEs.”

Additionally, Prime Minister Abe also said the following about the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
“Today, I visited Fukui Station. I met with people from Fukui, and I could feel their tremendously strong enthusiasm about the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Fukui. Presently, in the ruling parties, we have decided to advance consideration on the extension of the Shinkansen by this summer. I understand that there are technological issues as well, and I would like to make that consideration in light of those issues as well.

At the same time, I know the people of Fukui have seen the enthusiasm of those in Kanazawa for the developments there. “If only the Shinkansen would reach Fukui earlier.” I think it is only natural to feel this way. “Shinkansen service will be expanded to Fukui.” “The Shinkansen will run to Fukui.” I have seen once again how everyone is dreaming of this.”