[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press occasion at the Prime Minister's Office.

In regard to the resignation of Mr. Masahiro Imamura, Minister for Reconstruction, and other matters, the Prime Minister said,

"I have just received a letter of resignation from Minister for Reconstruction Imamura. Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake has been a top priority for the Abe Cabinet since the establishment of the administration. Further, exerting all our efforts toward reconstruction while considering the sensitivities of those in the affected areas is an unwavering basic policy of the Cabinet. Despite this, yesterday, Minister Imamura made some extremely inappropriate remarks in his speech that must have hurt the feelings of those in the affected areas. The remarks have serious implications, as they have led to the loss of trust of those in the affected areas, with trust being the most important thing for the Minister for Reconstruction. As Minister Imamura expressed his wish to resign, I have decided to accept his letter of resignation. As Prime Minister, I would like to once again offer my profound apologies to those in the affected areas. In addition, the responsibility of having appointed Minister Imamura lies with me, the Prime Minister. I extend my heartfelt apologies to the people of Japan for what has resulted from that appointment. Reconstruction is still only half complete, and many people still face very difficult circumstances. Even a single day's delay is unacceptable. I have decided to ask to serve as the new Minister for Reconstruction Mr. Masayoshi Yoshino, who is from Fukushima, one of the areas affected by the disaster, and who has been exerting his full efforts toward recovery and reconstruction ever since the disaster, and moreover, is currently serving as Chairman of the House of Representatives' Special Committee on Reconstruction after Great East Japan Earthquake. There can be no revitalization of Japan without the reconstruction of Tohoku. Based on this basic policy, we will make every effort toward the reconstruction of Tohoku and the revitalization of Fukushima."

"The responsibility of having appointed Minister Imamura lies with me as the Prime Minister. I offer my apologies for what has occurred."

"There have been some critical suggestions that we have relaxed our vigilance. We must sincerely accept such comments. We must continue to make maximum efforts to achieve reconstruction, and we will exert all our efforts to steadily realize the policies advanced by the Abe administration and deliver results. By producing results, we will gain back the trust of the people."