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On December 18, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 17th meeting of the Council on Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy in Japan at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
At the meeting, a discussion was held on the revision of the comprehensive strategy for overcoming population decline and vitalizing local economy, and on best practices in regional revitalization.
 
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
“Today, while time was very limited, we heard from Mr. Maki, Ms. Ushida, Mr. Shitanaka, and Mr. Sera, who work hard in their designated communities.
 
Our speakers, while overcoming various difficulties, continuously embark on new challenges, believing that there are opportunities to be found in their communities or that they can lead more enriching lives in their communities. You are the frontrunners in regional revitalization and the stars of hope. I very much look forward to your further success.  
 
In the past, moving to regions outside the capital city used to be associated with post-retirement life. Over the last few years, however, there has been growing interest in moving to these areas, primarily among the young generation.
 
According to Furusato Kaiki Shien Center (Hometown Return Support Center) in Tokyo, nearly half of the people who came to its office for consultation ten years ago were aged 60 or older. In general, people start thinking about returning to their hometowns when they reach an age like mine and seek consultation. In recent years, however, the number of consultations itself has increased by more than ten times, and the working generation in their 50s and younger now makes up 90% of the people who consult the Center.      
 
We must not let this chance pass us by. The Government will exert its efforts to create a steady flow of people to these areas by introducing unprecedented support measures, such as provision of up to 3 million yen, and providing strong supports to start businesses or work through U-turns (from their hometown in a local district to a city and back), I-turns (from their hometown in a local district to a different local district), and J-turns (from their hometown in a local district to a nearby city).
 
Taking into account today’s discussion, we will revise the comprehensive strategy and strengthen our initiatives for regional revitalization.
 
It has been four years since the first comprehensive strategy for overcoming population decline and vitalizing local economy was formulated, and we are about to enter the fifth and final year. I would like to ask Minister Katayama to proceed considerations towards the formulation of the second comprehensive strategy, aimed at FY2020 and beyond, based on various regional revitalization initiatives which have been implemented thus far.    
 
Regional revitalization is an issue of utmost importance for the Abe administration. We will continue to take steps to further accelerate regional revitalization, with the Government working in unity. I would like to ask relevant ministers to exert every effort in their respective positions.”