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[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 19th meeting of the Reconstruction Promotion Council at the Prime Minister’s Office, on August 8, 2017

At the meeting, discussions were held on initiatives to accelerate reconstruction.

Based on the discussions held at the meeting, the Prime Minister stated as follows.

“Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake is the top priority for the Abe Cabinet. More than six years have now passed since the disaster occurred, and we are at a critical juncture to set out a firm path toward the wrap-up of our reconstruction efforts and the full-scale reconstruction of Fukushima.

Along with steadily implementing the reconstruction-related projects, we must also appropriately address new issues such as the mental and physical health care needed for those who have lived for a long time as evacuees.

We will also continue to carry out thorough measures for the acceleration of various programs such as infrastructure development, seamless supports for those affected by the disaster, further reconstruction of residences and towns, and the rebuilding of industries and livelihoods through tourism promotion and works to dispel reputational damage caused by harmful rumors.

With respect to evacuation zones resulting from the nuclear power accident, except the difficult-to-return-zones, almost all the evacuation orders have been lifted, and initiatives for the return of evacuees to their hometowns have just begun.

Based on the Act on Special Measures for the Reconstruction and Revitalization of Fukushima, we are steadily advancing the establishment of reconstruction and revitalization hubs in the difficult-to-return-zones, promotion of the Fukushima Innovation Coast Scheme, and the strengthening of measures such as the Joint Public and Private Sector Team.

There can be no revitalization of Japan without the reconstruction of Tohoku. We will listen to the voices of those affected by the disaster and incorporate their opinions into the reconstruction process. The starting point for the Abe Cabinet is a focus on the frontlines. For this Cabinet, I would like every minister to share the mindset that they are all Ministers for Reconstruction, and overcome vertical segmentation. I would like to instruct them to exert their full efforts so that reconstruction can be completed in the disaster-affected areas at the earliest possible time while paying close attention to the feelings of those affected by the disaster.”