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[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Gathering of "Discover the Treasures of Farming, Mountain and Fishing Villages" at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“I would like to share a few remarks for the Gathering of ‘Discover the Treasures of Farming, Mountain and Fishing Villages.’”

After entering the venue here, I felt a very relaxed sensation like I was back in my hometown.

I believe that vigorous farming, mountain and fishing villages are important to safeguarding Japan’s wonderful national characteristics and local traditions, embodied by the beautiful rural landscapes, a culture of mutual assistance, and the commitment to work together in protecting the regions.  This initiative involves finding treasures among these villages. The people that live in villages sometimes overlook the merits of their hometown because they are much like the air we breathe. I believe that discovering such treasures will result in the creation of vigorous communities.

Many hidden treasures still exist. This is why I believe the future will be the era of farming, mountain and fishing villages. By identifying, further refining, and spreading the word about these treasures, you will be able to transform your communities into more vigorous ones. I think you have gathered here today with that belief. It is based on this belief that I have asked all of you to join me here today.

Today we are joined by representatives from 27 communities. I hear there were 683 applications for this opportunity, so I ask that you feel a sense of pride and confidence in being selected from such a large pool of entrants.

I hear that today we are joined by people working to create value-added industries through the integration of processing, retail, and other functions  and  local brands, those who are promoting opportunities for foreign visitors to experience farming, mountain and fishing villages, and those working on increasing the active participation of women and on children’s dietary education.

We will continue to work to achieve regional revitalization and create a more vigorous Japan. I believe that these efforts will take place at the farming, mountain and fishing village level. I look forward to hearing from all of you as well as seeing and appreciating your treasures, the pride of your respective regions. I hope to use this venue as an opportunity for sharing this information with the rest of Japan and the world as well.

I ask that you continue in your efforts to create more vigorous regions, while continuing to protect each one’s wonderful traditions and beautiful rural landscapes.

Let’s work together in these efforts. Congratulations again on your selection.”