Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Japan Association for Female Executives (JAFE) Opening Ceremony held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

"'A Japan in which women shine' constitutes a cornerstone of the policies of the Abe administration, because we recognize that 'active participation by women' will be key to the growth of Japan today.
The importance of fostering managerial positions for women was already understood even some 30 years ago by JAFE Chairperson Nakamura and many others who were involved in the founding of JAFE, and I would like to first express my sincere respect to them for this foresight.

There are two women in the Abe Cabinet, one of whom is Minister Mori. I'm sure from the Diet deliberations, which are televised live every day, there is no one in Japan today who is not familiar with Minister Mori. I believe she responds with confidence even when asked tough questions from opposition parties. Minister Mori has to address a variety of criticisms but if you read the transcripts carefully, you will see how meticulously and prudently she is responding to these questions.
In addition, there is Minister Inada. She is in charge of regulatory reform and civil service reform. This involves clashes with vested interests and there are many people who complain about such reforms. Moreover, these are very challenging tasks in relation to the Liberal Democratic Party, given its long history. Nevertheless, I believe Minister Inada has been boldly making smooth adjustments.
I believe it can be said that both have skills which few men have.
Many years ago, we often heard the saying, 'men should have courage, women should have charm.' Today, however, I think it is rather the women who have more 'courage,' and on top of that, have not lost their charm.' That is why they are, in some sense, 'the most powerful.' I believe their counterparts are standing in great fear.
I will continue to appoint more women.
Last week, I appointed a woman to the position of Executive Secretary to the Prime Minister. It is the first time that a woman was appointed to this position in the history of Japan's constitutional government. I see that Executive Secretary to the Prime Minister Yamada is standing over there. Although it has only been about one week since her appointment, you could be forgiven for thinking that nearly one year has already passed since Executive Secretary to the Prime Minister Yamada's appointment. I expect that she will be a breath of fresh air in the Prime Minister's Office which had been full of men until now.
Vice Minister Muraki is also with us today. The appointment of women is the basic policy of the Abe Cabinet. I instructed that women make up 30 percent of the new civil service recruits for the next fiscal year. I say this because I have set a target to 'have no less than 30 percent of leadership positions in all areas of society filled by women by 2020.'
It is an ambitious target. However, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games which will be held seven years from now will put Japan in the global spotlight.
By then, I would like to showcase to the world the revamped Japan and the women in Japan who shine.
I understand that Ms. Arianna Huffington, famous for the Huffington Post, whom I met in New York in September once said the following: 'If 'Lehman Brothers' was 'Lehman Brothers and Sisters,' they might still be around.'
The strong managerial capabilities of female leaders is also supported by data.
According to University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, a survey of 17,000 companies has shown that companies that had at least one female executive were able to reduce the probability of bankruptcy by 20 percent compared to companies that had no female executives. I see that Chairman Yonekura is listening intently right now. I believe it means that if there were three female executives, there would be no problems.
That is why in April of this year, I made a request to the Three Economic Associations, saying 'I would like for all listed companies proactively to appoint women to executive and managerial positions. First of all, I would like them to appoint one female as an executive officer.'
As you are all probably aware by now, this is not a social policy.
I firmly believe that this is indispensable for the further development of companies and for the growth of the Japanese economy. 'Active participation by women' is also the bedrock of my growth strategy.
A short while ago, Chairman Yonekura explained that Keidanren has three female executives. This goes to show that the mindset of the business community is certainly changing. I also understand that this year, at many listed companies, there were female directors for the first time.
These developments must not end simply as a passing 'fad.'
The Abe administration will continue to make every effort under the banner of 'a Japan in which women shine.' To this end, I would like everyone at JAFE to play an even bigger role.
I look forward to Chairperson Nakamura and everyone else's active engagement.

Today, former President Nelson Mandela has passed away. I would like to express my sincere condolences.
Former President Mandela successfully fought to abolish apartheid based on his indomitable spirit. In building a new South Africa, he was a great leader who exerted extensive efforts for the reconciliation of the people.
As long as you have a strong will, you can change the world. Through his deeds, former President Mandela has given us significant courage.
It means that Japanese society can also no doubt undergo changes.
With the strength of the will of the people in this room today, I believe our target can certainly be achieved by seven years from now. I would like to close my remarks by lastly requesting that JAFE will serve as an impetus to this end. Thank you very much."