[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 28th meeting of the Education Rebuilding Implementation Council at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, discussion took place on the draft sixth proposal, partial revisions of the Working Group Guidelines, and the progress related to the fourth proposal. The Council then presented to the Prime Minister the sixth proposal, “Education for Realizing a Society that is Inclusive and Continuously Learning, and the Vitalization of Local Economies.”

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“I would like to sincerely thank the Education Rebuilding Implementation Council for compiling the sixth proposal.

Creating a society where learning is possible for everyone, anytime, and anywhere, and where people can continue to shine is critically important, both for facilitating women’s active role and for vitalizing local economies. This is an issue for education, and at the same time, it is also an issue that concerns how people work and enjoy prosperous lives.

Today, the Council proposed fundamental reforms with an eye on the future of Japan, including developing an environment that meets the needs of working professionals who wish to study at universities, adapting to diverse learning styles such as free school (alternative school), and establishing preferential financial aid packages to those who take up jobs in the regions. I ask that the Council work closely with the relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, to steadily implement the proposal under the leadership of Minister Shimomura.

With regard to the remaining issues for consideration, intensive discussions are currently taking place among the Working Groups. I would like to ask the Council members for their continued cooperation. Thank you very much.”