(On the approval of the FY2021 draft comprehensive budget in the House of Representatives)

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the relevant members of the House of Representatives. Tomorrow, the draft budget will be sent to the House of Councillors for consideration. I intend to give clear explanation there as well, respond with a sense of urgency, and approve the budget as early as possible. In addition, we will implement seamless economic measures with the recently approved third supplementary budget for FY2020 and exert every effort to contain the novel coronavirus, which is currently our biggest priority. We will work on to protect the lives and livelihoods of the citizens and achieve economic recovery.

(On the decision to lift the declaration of the state of emergency)

I will make the final decision myself after thoroughly examining the figures and consulting with the relevant persons, including the experts. In any event, I believe that for now we should put forth all-out effort to prevent the spread of infections.

(On whether the decision will be made for all four prefectures of the Metropolitan area)

The four prefectures have always been related in various aspects, therefore the decision will be made for all of them.