[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the fifth meeting of the Council on Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy in Japan at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, discussion took place on the direction for regional vitalization initiatives.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said in his address,

“This year will be the starting point for regional vitalization.

Last week, I rode on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which opened in March. I saw some initiatives for regional vitalization implemented by Ishikawa and Fukui Prefectures. These include an initiative in which Fukui University, in alliance with representatives of the regional economy, assists students in finding work in the region. For example, a long-term overseas student had been studying the Japanese language in Tokyo but, hearing that Fukui University has a high rate of job placement for students, decided to continue his studies at Fukui University. Subsequently, the University, along with the regional chambers of industry and commerce, devoted great efforts to assisting him in finding a job, and in response to his hope to serve as a bridge between Japan and Vietnam, a local manufacturing company that has a factory in Vietnam was found. This student is very happy to have found exactly the right job, one that is deeply meaningful to him.

Moreover, of course, I also heard about the transfer of the functions of the Head Office of Komatsu, and was introduced to many success stories that should be developed throughout Japan.

Regional manufacturing SMEs, utilizing technology and ingenuity that reflect each region’s unique features, are also beginning to implement forward-looking moves such as capital investments and wage increases. It is indeed true that that “The best lessons are learned from the front lines.”

Utilizing this wisdom, and so that the flow of people to the regions takes place in earnest, I would like you to compile the ‘Basic Policy for Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy 2015,’ led by Minister Ishiba. In particular, I would like you to focus on new forms of subsidies to be implemented from FY2016 to further advance region-led initiatives and effective measures for promoting relocation to the regions.

The Abe administration will make every effort to support the creation of vibrant regions that build on each of their individual characteristics. I look forward to receiving the valuable opinions of all you experts, based on your broad-ranging experience and knowledge. Thank you.”