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On October 4, 2018, the State Ministers for the reshuffled Fourth Abe Cabinet were determined during an extraordinary Cabinet meeting.
 
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the attestation ceremony for the State Ministers at the Imperial Palace. The Prime Minister then returned to the Prime Minister’s Office, where he held a commemorative photograph session and then attended the first meeting of State Ministers.
 
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister said,
 
“I would like to offer some remarks on the occasion of the meeting of the State Ministers. 
 
The succession to the Imperial Throne next year marks a historic juncture. Shortly afterwards, We will host the G20 Summit, which Japan will chair for the first time, and the following year, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. As Japan truly comes to a historic turning point, now is the time to carve out the next era that will follow the Heisei era, with our eyes firmly on the future.
 
There is a mountain of tasks we have to accomplish in order to create a Japan brimming with hope in which we can take pride and then pass it on to the next generation.
 
We will accelerate reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Kumamoto Earthquake as well as revival of Fukushima. We will also exert every effort for the recovery and reconstruction from the series of natural disasters that have hit Japan, disaster prevention and mitigation, and the promotion of national resilience.
 
We will create a society in which all citizens are dynamically engaged and work hard towards their dreams, and engage in reforms to make social security system one in which all generations can enjoy peace of mind.
 
While making the most of the unique characteristics of each region across Japan, we will create resilient regions that are full of opportunities for young people, and pass these beautiful hometowns with traditions on to the next generation.
 
Japan will lead the efforts to create global rules in the new era such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). At the same time, in the midst of turbulent international conditions, we will resolve the various issues facing the international community, including the North Korean issues, and lay the foundation for peace and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region in a new era. 
 
The Cabinet will work as a united front as it pushes forward with executing policies. I hope all the State Ministers to fully exercise your abilities in your respective fields.
 
I hope that, based on appropriate relationships built on trust with civil servants, you will create environments that allow each ministry and agency to fully exercise their capabilities, support the Ministers, and do your utmost to engage in statecraft for the people and the nation.”