[Provisional Translation]

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

At the meeting, the Basic Policy on the Transfer of Authority of Government-Affiliated Institutions was determined.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said, “Today, as a result of your unstinting efforts, particularly by the relevant ministers, the Government has determined the Basic Policy on the Transfer of Authority of Government-Affiliated Institutions. The transfer of authority of government-affiliated institutions to the regions is an important measure that will create a positive economic cycle of work and people in the regions. This will in turn mitigate the extreme concentration of the population in Tokyo and advance regional vitalization. In regard to the transfer of authority of central ministries and agencies, the Agency for Cultural Affairs will fully transfer to Kyoto, where many of Japan’s cultural assets are located. We will advance specific reviews, with the understanding and cooperation of members of the public and private sectors in Kyoto. In regard to the Consumer Affairs Agency, we will verify the trial measures that the Secretary General and other officials have implemented. For the Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, we will carry out verification tests in regard to data utilization work. For both, we will proceed with reviews for the transfer of authority. In regard to institutions for research and study, we will advance 50 transfer proposals related to 23 institutions, such as the creation of a framework that promotes research in collaboration with universities and companies in each region. The Government will make efforts to ensure that these measures are meaningful for both the nation as a whole and the regions, and that they bring about major benefits for regional vitalization. I would like the relevant Cabinet members to exert their utmost efforts to ensure that the measures make steady progress, based on today’s decision. Thank you.”