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On June 6, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 15th meeting of the Council on Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy in Japan at the Prime Minister's Office.
 
At the meeting, there was discussion regarding the Basic Policy for Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy 2018 (draft), and best practices in regional vitalization and the development of local economies.
 
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
“Today, we received briefings from Mr. Kumano, Mr. Iizuka, and Ms. Mizukami, who are working hard in their respective local communities and producing results, on their initiatives.
 
It is exactly in the local communities that there are opportunities. Young people who believe in this are making the U-turns (from their hometown in a local district to city and back), I-turns (from their hometown in a local district to a different local district) and J-turns (from their hometown in a local district to a nearby city) and starting up businesses there. Women are unleashing their power to the fullest in their communities. As long as the opportunity presents itself, the local districts still have huge potential. I have renewed my sense on that.
 
In order to add momentum to this trend, we have compiled a policy package as the Government, focused on human resource development and job creation, which lie at the center of regional revitalization. For instance, it provides strong support for young people making U-, I- and J-turns, enables highly-motivated women and senior citizens to realize their full potential in their communities, and empowers foreign personnel who love Japan amidst the significant rise of inbound tourism.
 
With all the relevant ministries and agencies working together, fleshing out these initiatives and moving swiftly to implement them, we will further accelerate regional revitalization.
 
At the same time, we also received a proposal from Mr. Higuchi towards easing the excessive concentration of the population in Tokyo.  
 
Based on the views expressed today, I intend for this Council to proceed with the review focused on town development, such as strengthening the functions of central and hub cities in the local districts, as the next policy issue.
 
Moving forward, we will fully support the willingness of those in the local districts, and promote regional revitalization throughout all of Japan.
 
I would like Minister Kajiyama to take the lead in finalizing the Basic Policy for Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy, based on the discussion today.”