[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the ninth meeting of the Advisory Council on Easing the Burden of the Official Duties and Public Activities of His Majesty the Emperor at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, there was a briefing on the draft compilation of key points for future discussions.

Based on the briefing, the Prime Minister said,

“I want to express my deep thanks to all of you for putting together the compilation of key points for future discussions today. This issue is of major significance for the foundation of our state and for our long history and future. We must discuss it thoroughly.

The compilation of key points has been put together in a way that clearly lays out the proactive opinions and issues related to each key point. I expect that the release of this compilation will further deepen the public’s understanding of this matter.

The Government will request the Speaker and Vice-Speaker of the House of Representatives as well as the President and Vice-President of the House of Councillors to ensure that the compilation of key points is referred to when this issue is considered by each party and faction. Furthermore, the Government will explain the content of the compilation of key points at the consultations of each party and faction.

I request that everyone in this Advisory Council continue to further advance discussion on this issue, while taking into account the various opinions regarding this compilation of key points. Thank you very much.”