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

During the conference, discussion took place on international issues such as diplomacy and the environment, regional vitalization, education, the Olympics and measures for addressing the declining birthrate.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“Thank you for coming from around the country today. I am extremely glad to have the opportunity to meet with all of you.

This year began with heavy snow, and in regions nationwide disasters occurred that caused enormous damage and had a major impact on citizens’ lives, including typhoons, torrential rain and the eruption of Mount Ontake. I would like to offer my sincere respect and thanks to you for spearheading the responses.

In December, we will compile a long-term vision and comprehensive strategy for the creation of prosperous and vital local communities, a top priority of the Abe Cabinet. Currently, in order to flesh out measures, ministers from the Government, led by Minister Ishiba, are visiting local governments that are achieving results by exercising ingenuity and creativity, and the front lines where efforts are being made to try and overcome difficult circumstances, and listening fully to the opinions of the regions. Quite simply, we have a genuine sense that “The best lessons are learned the front lines.” We intend to make maximum use of the knowledge obtained as a result of these activities when implementing measures.

In doing this, the vertically-segmented system of ministries and agencies, which has been unable to be eliminated until now, will finally be rectified this time. In addition, a framework will be constructed that is truly convenient for regions to use, and which provides a one-stop response.

Furthermore, in order to promote the creation of local regions brimming with individuality and appeal by utilizing the ideas and ingenuity of the regions themselves, decentralization reform is essential. This fiscal year, we received a large number and great variety of proposals through the method of solicitation. Currently, taking into account the discussions of the Advisory Council, these proposals are undergoing further consideration among the respective ministries and agencies, and in many instances a proactive response is being adopted regarding items that were said to be difficult up to now.

Results will be achieved in the creation of local communities only through the Government and regions cooperating with singleness of purpose. Beginning with this meeting today, and also going forward, we will exert every effort on various measures while holding careful discussions with all of you, and so I would like to ask for your understanding and cooperation. Thank you very much.”