[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 40th meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, there was a discussion on the draft policy for the dissolution of evacuation order zones in Katsurao Village, Kawauchi Village, and Minamisoma City, and a report on measures toward the lifting of evacuation orders and the return of residents.

Based on the discussion in the meeting, the Prime Minister said,

“Today we decided to dissolve the Restricted Habitation Area and the Preparatory Zone for the Lifting of Evacuation Orders in Katsurao Village on June 12, the Preparatory Zone for the Lifting of Evacuation Orders in Kawauchi Village on June 14, and the Restricted Habitation Area and the Preparatory Zone for the Lifting of Evacuation Orders in Minamisoma City on July 12, respectively.

“If the evacuation orders and designations are lifted, I would like to contribute to the reconstruction and vitalization of the areas involved.”

These were the words of a local high school student that I heard when I visited Minamisoma City in March.

I believe we must respond to the strong desire of local residents for reconstruction, and after the evacuation orders have been dissolved, we will provide even stronger support to Katsurao Village, Kawauchi Village, and Minamisoma City.

In regard to areas other than zones where the return of residents would be difficult, and where the evacuation orders are still in place, I would like the relevant ministers to work together to carry out measures to improve the environment toward dissolution, so that residents who want to go back to their home areas can return at an early date, within six years after the accident occurred, at the latest.

Once again, I would like every minister to share the mindset that “There is no revitalization of Japan without the reconstruction of Fukushima,” and that we are all Ministers for Reconstruction, and with a strong resolution to achieve everything that is needed, the entire government will exert its full efforts toward achieving the reconstruction of Fukushima as soon as possible. Thank you.”