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On July 7, 2020, the Prime Minister attended a Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“The overflowing of rivers and the landslides caused by record heavy rain in the Kyushu region have resulted in a great amount of damage. I extend my sincere condolences for those who lost their lives and express my heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been affected.

Since immediately after the disaster occurred, police, firefighters, and the Japan Coast Guard and Self-Defense Forces have been going all out in conducting rescue and relief activities. As the damage is being spread to wide areas of the Kyushu region from yesterday to today, the government is making all-out efforts, putting human life above all else, to extend support to isolated communities and search for those who are missing, in addition to rescue activities. The seasonal rain front stays stationary from western into eastern Japan through to around July 9, potentially bringing heavy rains to extensive areas. We will continue to maintain the highest vigilance, and take all possible measures regarding our disaster responses. Building upon these efforts, the government will expeditiously work on the disbursement of ordinary local allocation tax ahead of schedule and the assessment towards the designation as a ‘Disaster of Extreme Severity’ so that local governments affected by the disaster can work on their recovery efforts without worrying about how to finance them. We will work with the ruling parties closely and exert every effort to provide tailored support for daily lives and rebuild ‘nariwai (occupations and livelihoods that sustain people’s daily lives).’

With regard to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a certain number of new cases of infection continue to be confirmed particularly in areas such as Tokyo. According to the assessment by the experts, the situation is different from the previous spread of infections since many of those cases are young people under the age of 30, and the number of patients with severe symptoms has been kept at a low level; medical structures are not showing signs of becoming stretched. We will continue to monitor and assess the situation with a strong sense of urgency and respond in close coordination with local governments. At the same time, we will swiftly build a new normal for everyday life in which socio-economic activities are being increased in a phased approach while controlling the infection risks, with the cooperation of the public. In addition, we will ensure full preparations by accelerating the strengthening of screening and medical treatment structures.

Towards the formulation of the Basic Policy (on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform) and the Growth Strategy, we recently received valuable proposals from the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito. While taking these proposals firmly into account and continuing to closely collaborate with the ruling parties, we will proceed with the relevant works towards the compilation targeted in mid-July. Based on these works, we must firmly set out a vision of a new Japan that has overcome the disease, or our ‘post-corona’ future. I intend to begin discussions in a new forum, the Council on Investments for the Future, and proceed with building a new Japan of the ‘post corona’ era.

I ask for your continued cooperation. Thank you.”