Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the 65th Meeting of the Central Advancement Committee of the “Movement to Make Society Brighter,” at the Prime Minister’s Office.

In his address, the Prime Minister said,
“The “Movement to Make Society Brighter” is a nationwide movement in which all of the people of Japan, in their various circumstances, join their strengths in order to prevent crime and delinquency and to deepen our understanding of the rehabilitation of people who have made mistakes, in the aim of building safe local societies without crime or delinquency where people can have peace of mind. This year marks 65 years since its establishment.

For those attempting to make a fresh start after a mistake, it is essential to secure appropriate jobs and homes, and the support of society as a whole is also needed to facilitate their return to society.

In order to further advance this initiative, last December the Government determined the declaration in relation to preventing repeated offences, “No Return to Crime, No Facilitating a Return to Crime.” Based on this declaration, we will strongly advance various policies to increase the opportunities for such people to find jobs and homes.

Also, more important than anything is the understanding and cooperation of the people. Wearing this “yellow feather of happiness” on our chest, I request the participation of many people from a wide variety of fields in this movement.”