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On August 31, 2021, the Prime Minister held the 30th meeting of the Reconstruction Promotion Council and the 55th meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, the participants discussed the current situation of reconstruction from the nuclear disaster and approaches to the lifting of evacuation orders toward the return to and settlement in areas outside Specified Reconstruction and Revitalization Bases.

Following the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
 “We have entered the 11th year since the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred. Thanks to efforts by people in the disaster-affected areas, reconstruction has been progressing steadily, while the medium- to long-term response will remain necessary in order to achieve the reconstruction and recovery from the nuclear disaster.
 
I visited Fukushima Prefecture immediately after assuming office in September last year and in March this year to observe the situation surrounding Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and the state of affairs including in Futaba Town, a Specified Reconstruction and Revitalization Base. Once again, I had the determination that we must put every effort into the reconstruction of Fukushima etched into my mind.
 
We have received requests from local residents to return to their home located outside the specified bases. In order to take their earnest wishes seriously and make a new step toward their return, we have decided the Government’s policy today.
 
In accordance with this policy, we will hold sufficient discussions with local stakeholders, conduct decontamination to reduce radiation doses in the living environment, which is necessary to realize their return, and lift evacuation orders over the course of the 2020s, so that all residents who wish to return home can do so.
 
With regard to the disposal of Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water, we have recently compiled concrete measures. We will strengthen cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), fully convey the safety of the water at home and abroad, and carefully send out information to prevent harmful rumors. We will also utilize newly discussed funds so as to counter such rumors and reinforce the strength of business operators.
 
Going forward, the Government will remain united as one to carry out everything that needs to be done toward the reconstruction and recovery of Fukushima. I ask all members of the Cabinet to exert all-out efforts to achieve the reconstruction of the disaster-stricken areas, with the mindset that they are a Minister for Reconstruction.”