Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the 57th National Convention of the Chairpersons of Town and Village Assemblies held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his congratulatory address,

"I would like to express my sincere respect to the distinguished chairpersons of town and village assemblies for making arduous efforts every day in towns and villages, which are the front lines of local autonomy, to develop your communities as representatives of the residents.
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 will 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, I have been making utmost efforts to revitalize the economy, which is the top priority of the government. The dark and heavy 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 have once again renewed my determination to ensure that everyone throughout Japan experiences the economic recovery firsthand, and to 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.
I hope the distinguished chairpersons of town and village assemblies will continue to take the lead in your communities and exert your abilities to the fullest, while always engaging the people and incorporating their diverse opinions. I would also like to once again ask for your cooperation on the policies promoted by the national government. The basic policy of the Abe administration is 'there is no revitalization of Japan without vibrant local areas.' I strongly believe that Japan can carve out a bright future only after towns and villages have regained vitality."