[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the 47th meeting of the Regulatory Reform Council at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, the “Third Report on Regulatory Reforms” was compiled, and Mr. Motoyuki Oka, Chair of the Council, submitted the report to the Prime Minister.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Today, the Regulatory Reform Council compiled its third report.

Needless to say, regulatory reforms are at the core of the Growth Strategy. The international situation, as well as the socioeconomic situation in Japan, are seeing dramatic changes. Under these circumstances, we must have the courage to press forward with reforms if we are to make Japan a country that shines on the world stage, while also preserving Japan’s important traditions and culture. Through bold regulatory reforms, I intend to craft a new vision that incorporates a diverse set of items.

Today’s report deals with reforms aimed at vitalizing local economies, including reforming the tourism and ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) industries, along with reforms aimed at the development and promotion of advanced technologies, such as next-generation vehicles, robots, and renewable energy. The Government will steadily execute the recommendations we have received. I believe executing the recommendations is the mission we have been entrusted with.

As Chair Oka has noted, while we have already undertaken extensive regulatory reforms, we must set aside any inkling that this is time to start slowing down. We will keep looking straight ahead and engage in regulatory reforms with the spirit that there is no end to these reforms. In coordination with the Industrial Competitiveness Council and other relevant bodies, I am determined to press forward with regulatory reforms at an even faster pace than before, in order to advance the sharing economy, further vitalize local economies, and more. I ask for your continued cooperation in this endeavor.”