[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the first meeting of the Team to Support the Daily Lives of Disaster Victims from the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, remarks were first made by Minister of State for Disaster Management Taro Kono, and then there was an explanation by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Furuya Kazuyuki, followed by reports from each ministry and agency.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“Tremendous damage has been caused by the Kumamoto earthquake of 2016, including the loss of many lives, and currently, more than 100,000 people are being forced to live in an unsettled manner in evacuation centers. I am establishing this Team to Support the Daily Lives of Disaster Victims, which draws from all government ministries and agencies at the administrative vice-minister level in order to accurately grasp the varied needs of those affected by the disaster and swiftly respond to those needs, through the provision of necessities such as food, water, and disposable diapers, in addition to the acquisition of toilets, the provision of medical care and drugs, and the acquisition of further housing and lodging facilities. This team is being established to fully support the lives of those affected by the disaster.

While undertaking close collaboration in this support team, the Government will work in a coordinated manner and take the initiative on livelihood support for those affected by the disaster. It is important that we keep our attention on the frontlines, support the municipalities affected by the disaster that are carrying out the disaster response on the ground, accurately grasp the needs of the people affected by the disaster, and swiftly respond to those needs.

Above all else, I want the Government to sympathize with the feelings of the disaster victims and exert every effort in our work for them. This is truly on your shoulders.”