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On December 26, 2017, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 11th meeting of the Headquarters for Promoting Decentralization Reform at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, discussion took place on the measures to address the proposals received from the regions in 2017 and other matters.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Japan will not have vitality unless its regions do as well. In order to realize a society where the people can feel its prosperity and enjoy secure livelihoods, it is important for each region to build on the distinct features of its designated local areas and develop these areas creatively based on its own ideas. To that end, we must continue to strongly promote decentralization reform that increases regional autonomy and independence.

We gave due consideration to these proposals based on our basic approach to listen carefully to the voices of the regions.  As a result, this year we have responded to 90 percent of the proposals received, including those that contribute to the promotion of culture and tourism, support for childrearing, and support for areas affected by natural disasters. I would like all the ministers to exercise strong leadership based on the guidelines determined today to steadily realize each of the measures.”