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On November 26, 2020, the Prime Minister attended the National Congress of Town and Village Mayors held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations on the National Congress of Town and Village Mayors.

I was born and raised until high school in the snowy region of Akita Prefecture, while I have been elected from a constituency in Yokohama. I can see the name of Akita Prefecture in the front row. I thank the organizer for letting village mayors from Akita Prefecture warmly welcome me at today’s occasion.

I express my profound respect for the town and village mayors, who are doing their best every day for the citizens and communities, at the forefront of local public services.

First and foremost, we are exerting ever effort to counter the novel coronavirus to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people. The Government will implement intensive testing at medical institutions and care facilities, funded by government outlays so as to protect those who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms and the elderly. Also, regarding the Go To Travel campaign, we will implement measures such as suspending new travel reservations to areas where infections are spreading. In particular, for our response for restaurants, the Government is providing grants directly to those that shorten their business hours.

In order to ensure thorough countermeasures against infections and recover our economy on top of that, we are working on the compilation of new economic measures towards the end of this year. From countering infections, such as assistance to medical institutions, to supporting employment and businesses, building resilience in response to natural disasters in recent years, materializing digital transformation and a green society towards a post-corona era, and advancing decarbonization; we intend to listen to various views from each region on various issues and formulate a concrete plan. Among them, ‘creating vibrant communities’ is one of the policy issues of highest importance for the Suga Cabinet. We will revitalize consumption in the regions outside the metropolitan area, by increasing revenues in these areas through all the possible policy measures, such as tourism, agriculture, and the ‘hometown tax’ system. That is vital in our efforts to revitalize the entirety of Japan. Therefore, the Government intends to support such efforts in its utmost.

Moving forward, we intend to hold in-depth discussions with all of you, including today’s meeting, and make efforts to implement relevant policies with the Government working as one. I ask for your understanding and cooperation. I would like to conclude my address by wishing for your further success in the future. My sincere congratulations once again today.”