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On August 19, 2021, the Prime Minister held a meeting with Mr. SAKURADA Kengo, Representative Director of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
 
 “Thank you very much for taking your time today. I also would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to Representative Director Sakurada and members of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives for your various cooperation on a daily basis amid the pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
 
We have seen a sharp increase in the number of new infections due to the extremely infectious Delta strain. Under such circumstances, the Government decided two days ago to extend the declaration of a state of emergency in Tokyo and other prefectures. In this light, we intend to contain these infections, with the expansion of medical systems, infection prevention measures, and vaccinations as three pillars.
 
Under these circumstances, I would like to emphasize today that we need to reduce the flow of people in order to overcome this crisis. In addition, clusters have been occurring at corporate workplaces as well. We believe that teleworking is critical in preventing these by all means. The business community adopted teleworking in spring last year, which resulted in a 70 percent reduction in the number of commuters. Although you may face a very severe situation, we sincerely request your cooperation in teleworking in order to achieve a 70 percent reduction.
 
The Government, on its part, will make robust responses, including rendering payments to business operators that cooperate with our requests and providing Employment Adjustment Subsidies. Furthermore, while vaccinations are under way, we would like to seriously consider a way out to achieve the future recovery of our economy and society.
 
I sincerely hope to exchange candid views on this occasion so that we can proceed toward the prevention of infections. Thank you.”