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[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the fifth meeting of the National Council for Promoting the Dynamic Engagement of All Citizens at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, improving the treatment of workers in irregular employment, the promotion of employment among the elderly, the promotion of employment among young people, and the promotion of employment among people with disabilities or who are fighting an illness, were discussed.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Today we discussed reforms to styles of working. In order to advance the creation of an environment where everyone can be dynamically engaged, including the generation of people who are raising children, young people, the elderly, both men and women, and people with disabilities or who are fighting an illness, we must reform working styles.

Firstly, we will realize equal pay for equal work. In order to increase the range of options for diverse and flexible styles of work, improving the treatment of workers in irregular employment is an urgent and top priority.

Today we heard a very reassuring statement by Chairman Sakakibara who at the same time gave us his opinions on Japan's employment customs. Moreover, Chairman Mimura also expressed his views. While giving due consideration to such employment customs, at the same time we will not hesitate to advance preparations for legal revisions. In conjunction, the Government will also promptly formulate guidelines regarding what kinds of wage gaps should be recognized as unacceptable, and provide case studies.

To that end, we will establish venues for expert discussion, consisting of legal and other specialists, and gain a better understanding of how laws in Europe operate. I would like the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Cabinet Secretariat to work together to advance these preparations.

Any number of reasons could be given as to why something cannot be done. What is important, however, is to consider how something actually can be realized, and that is what I would like you to focus your attention on.

Secondly, we will promote employment for the elderly. This is important both in order to fulfill the desires of all elderly people who want to work, and also, in the context of Japan's declining population, to secure Japan's growth.

In preparation for the formulation of the Plan to Realize the Dynamic Engagement of All Citizens, I would like the Government as a whole to consider a fundamental package of measures to provide support and a favorable environment for companies that extend their retirement age beyond 65, or continue employment beyond the age of 65, thereby promoting self-initiated efforts among companies. I would also like to request your cooperation for fostering acceptance in the business community for re-entering the workforce.

Thirdly, today we held discussions on promoting the employment of young people, and people with disabilities or who are fighting an illness. Taking into consideration the opinions that were expressed today, and by transcending the boundaries between the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, I would like you to compile a concrete roadmap, towards the formulation of the Plan to Realize the Dynamic Engagement of All Citizens. Thank you.”