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[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the Center for Developmental Biology (CDB) of RIKEN, a designated national research and development entity, in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture.

After visiting the gallery, the Prime Minister had a meeting with researchers and other CDB representatives.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister said,

“I visited this center four years ago and, including the visit I made when I was Chief Cabinet Secretary, this is my third visit. Four years ago, I observed your research on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

At that time, as was mentioned earlier, I promised to provide support of 110 billion yen over 10 years. Since then, the Government has also implemented legal revisions. As I recall, just four years ago, Dr. Takahashi was at long last about to carry out surgery using iPS cells. As a result, major outcomes have been achieved so far. Furthermore, you have informed me that these types of cases will increase dramatically from now on, and for people who have visual impairments, this research will truly bring a ray of hope.

Moreover, after hearing today’s discussion, I am delighted to learn that you will tackle these and various other intractable illnesses that were heretofore difficult to treat, using regenerative medicine that leverages newly-developed technologies.

I hope RIKEN will continue to lead the world in collaboration with relevant institutions including Kyoto University’s Center for iPS Cell Research and Application.

I was also extremely encouraged to learn in the explanation today that iPS cells are being utilized not only for regenerative medicine, but also in drug development initiatives. I would like you to restore the lives of people who are suffering from all kinds of illnesses, and to give them light, through the two pillars of regenerative medicine and drug development. I hope that you will realize great results.

The Government will also continue to provide its full support.

I have high hopes for your continued activities.”