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On November 11, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the National Governors’ Conference held at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
The Prime Minister said in his address,
 
“Thank you very much for coming from all over the country today despite your busy schedules. I am very pleased to have this opportunity to hear views directly from governors who are making efforts day and night to further develop and advance your prefectures.  
 
This year, we have once again faced a series of major natural disasters in regions throughout Japan, such as typhoons, earthquakes and heavy rains. I express my condolences for the people who have lost their lives, and extend my sympathies to everyone who has been affected by these disasters. Last week, we compiled a policy package towards the rebuilding of lives and ‘nariwai’ (occupations and livelihoods that sustain people’s everyday lives) of those who were affected by the series of typhoon disasters. As the first step to implementing this policy package, we have decided to use a budget exceeding 130 billion yen. Moreover, we will formulate a supplementary budget to provide seamless support for recovery and reconstruction in the affected areas, and further strengthen efforts to build national resilience, based on the issues and lessons drawn from the recent disasters.
 
The Abe Cabinet has raised high the flag of regional revitalization. As a result of our strong support for the creative and innovative initiatives of local communities, including the 100-billion-yen Regional Revitalization Promotion Grant, we are seeing record-breaking exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery produce over six consecutive years and exports of milk and dairy products have increased by more than 20%. Exports of beef to Europe have also risen by 30%. Furthermore, the number of visitors from overseas has exceeded the 30-million mark, marking the emergence of inbound tourism as a new major industry.
 
Local economies are also beginning to regain their vitality, with land prices in commercial areas starting to rise for the first time in 28 years. Regional revitalization has started progressing significantly, including increases in local corporate tax revenue by 40% to 50% over the past seven years for most prefectures, as well as some prefectures with revenue growth of 60% to 70%.
 
Japan will not have vitality unless its regions do. There is no future for Japan unless there is a future for its local communities. With this basic philosophy, we will mobilize all policies prioritizing regional revitalization the highest.
 
Last month, we made free early childhood education and childcare for all children from ages 3 to 5. We will also make higher education for those children truly in need free of charge from April next year. With a view to realizing a society in which all citizens are dynamically engaged, we will boldly develop the blue print of a social security system that can bring peace of mind to all generations from children to the elderly, responding to diverse learning styles, diverse working styles, and diverse lifestyles.
 
Next year, the Olympic Torch Relay will finally commence from Fukushima Prefecture, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held. As the whole of Japan is filled with a sense of dynamism for the future, we intend to tackle bold reforms with the spirit of a challenger in any policy areas or fields, without being constrained by conventional thinking.
 
Going forward, the government will work as one to implement those policies, while continuing tenacious dialogues with you. I would like to once again ask for your understanding on and support for the various policies that the Government will implement. I am looking forward to today’s discussion.”