Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Government-hosted National Governors' Conference at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the conference, discussion took place on the "vitalization of local economies, the acceleration of the reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, and key policy issues pertaining to the local government system."

The Prime Minister said in his address,

"Since assuming the office of Prime Minister, I have visited the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake at a pace of once a month. I have been working towards reconstruction, while always taking into account the opinions of local residents. In order to realize the reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake as quickly as possible, I am determined to continue to take all possible measures, adopting a hands-on approach. At the same time, in order to protect the lives and property of the people of Japan, which is prone to a range of natural disasters, I will steadily carry out disaster management measures with the cooperation of local governments.
Furthermore, since assuming office, I have been making utmost efforts to revitalize the economy. The heavy and dark cloud of prolonged deflation, which, until last year, used to loom over all of Japan, is now gone, and the Japanese economy has reversed course dramatically from negative to positive growth. I will ensure that everyone throughout Japan experiences the economic recovery firsthand, and bring vitality to the regions. In order to promote the creation of local regions brimming with appeal by utilizing the ideas and ingenuity of the regions themselves, my Cabinet will steadily realize the last remaining item of the ongoing decentralization reforms dating back to the first Abe Cabinet, that is, the transition of authority from the national government to local governments. In addition, by steadily carrying out such initiatives as the Japan Revitalization Strategy and the Plan for the Creation of Regional Vitality, I will make every effort, together with all of you, for the vitalization of the regions.
Building on today's conference, I look forward to continuing to engage in careful discussion with you as we take various measures, including for the vitalization of the regions and the promotion of decentralization reforms, and I hope you will continue to lend us your cooperation. Thank you very much."