Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Conference to Enhance and Strengthen Regional Disaster Prevention Led by Fire Companies, which was held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“To begin with, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences for the lives lost as a result of the recent torrential rainfall, including in Hiroshima City, and offer my sincere sympathies to those affected by the disaster.
I would also like to express my sincere respect and gratitude to the large number of fire company personnel who at this very moment are continuing to give their all to rescue and relief efforts in Hiroshima City, working day and night amid extremely difficult circumstances, including immense amounts of mud, driftwood and collapsed homes. Furthermore, it is extremely regrettable that a firefighter has lost his life in the course of the rescue and relief efforts, and I respectfully offer my condolences.
Fire companies began with townspeople’s firefighting organizations in the Edo Period (1603–1867), and for over 120 years since the Meiji Period (1868-1912) they have worked alongside regions to protect local communities.
Cases in which fire company personnel have put themselves in danger at the front-lines of a large number of disaster sites to provide evacuation guidance for citizens or lead search activities are deeply ingrained in our memories.
In recent years there have been many challenges, including falling numbers of personnel, but on the other hand the number of female personnel is increasing every year, and their efforts are attracting widespread attention.
Additionally, interest in disaster prevention is growing among the children who will shape the future of our country, which I find extremely encouraging. Regional disaster prevention is very much a challenge that regions must address in a concerted manner with everyone playing a leading role.
In that respect, it is genuinely timely and very significant that people from every sector and at every level have taken the initiative to hold this Conference to Enhance and Strengthen Regional Disaster Prevention Led by Fire Companies on such a magnificent scale.
In Japan, where we have experienced major disasters such as the Great East Japan Earthquake and where Tokyo Inland Earthquakes or Nankai Earthquakes are projected to occur, the Government recognizes the enhancement and strengthening of regional disaster prevention frameworks as an urgent issue. We are therefore exerting utmost efforts to support the fire companies that form the core of such efforts, and to promote recruitment by fire companies, improve treatment of personnel, and enhance equipment.
Finally, I would like to wish for the success of this Conference and for the growing success of all those involved, including those present today.”