Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda attended the first meeting of the Frontier Subcommittee of the Council on National Strategy and Policy at the Prime Minister's Office.

Discussion took place on the ways of proceeding with the discussions of the Frontier Subcommittee and Taskforce, among other matters.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address, "In these last 20 years, there are a growing number of people who have not experienced Japan's high economic growth as well as people who have not experienced the peak of Japan's bubble period. The generation born after the collapse of the bubble cannot have a true sense of hope that tomorrow will be better than today. I would like to set out a vision that indeed brings about a breakthrough in this situation.
The biggest challenges for the Noda Cabinet are of course recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, the battle against the nuclear power station accident, and the revitalization of the Japanese economy. Because the nuclear power station accident occurred, Japan must be further reliant on renewable energies. On the other hand, thorough efforts must also be made to ensure energy conservation, and further progress is needed for improving energy efficiency. By paving the way as a frontrunner, Japan's various lessons learned will be shaping a model for the world. Be it space or ocean, there are a plethora of frontiers. I would like to once again create a vibrant Japan that is a frontrunner in the world by leading developments in these frontiers.
There is no doubt that the future will be the era of Asia and the Pacific. Our neighboring countries will experience a rapid rise of a massive middle class or face a significant demand for infrastructure. Many countries have vibrant economies. Japan cannot continue to be an island country that lacks vitality at a time when Asia and the Pacific are about to become the center of prosperity."