[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted a ceremony to Commend Leading Companies Where Women Shine, at the Prime Minister's Office.

In his opening address, the Prime Minister made the following remarks,

“I would like to offer my sincere congratulations on the conferment today of the Awards to Commend Leading Companies Where Women Shine.

All of the recipients have been taking the initiative on working for active participation by women and information disclosure, and are all truly top leaders in this area.

I would like to express my deep respect for the hard work that everyone here has done to implement measures such as introducing tele-working and flexible shift work; creating community-centered networks that involve municipalities and local companies to foster female executive candidates; establishing goals for the rate of men who take childcare leave and encouraging men to take this leave; and disclosing information on companies’ situations regarding women’s promotions, overtime hours, rates of taking leave, and other matters, for investors, those looking for work, and consumers.

This year marks the third time that these awards have been presented. The number of recommended companies has doubled compared to the first year. The companies that have received the awards have produced a wide range of results, such as achieving record net profits, and increased opportunities to promote themselves in the media. These are all truly excellent results.

Taking the opportunity of these awards today, I expect that many companies will follow in your footsteps and further accelerate the movement to create a society in which all women shine.

I would like to conclude my congratulatory remarks by requesting your further cooperation and contributions going forward. Congratulations.”