[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the fourth meeting of the Council for the Protection of Information at the Prime Minister's Office.
In the meeting, following an explanation of the operation of the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets, the members exchanged views.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“I would like to offer a few remarks upon the holding of the fourth meeting of the Council for the Protection of Information. First let me express my heartfelt gratitude to all of the council members for attending today despite your busy schedules.
Approximately half a year has passed since the implementation of the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets in December of last year. We have worked toward the appropriate operation of the law in line with its operating standards, which reflect the many valuable opinions offered by this Council.
We made public the number of specially designated secrets in January of this year, and the number of documents containing specially designated secrets in April. We have worked to ensure transparency in the operation of the law.

Today, I would like to have your frank opinions on the proposal for the first ever report to the Diet about the designation of specially designated secrets, and other matters.
By publicizing the state of operation related to specially designated secrets in an easily comprehensible manner, I hope to further enhance the handling of secrets by each administrative agency, as well as the objectivity and transparency with which we handle secrets.
As we continue to operate the law, I would like to constantly work to make improvements and revise any points that need to be revised.
I hope that this Council will offer advice from a number of different perspectives, and that you will continue to cooperate with us on this matter. Thank you.”