A symposium on "regional strategic plans" was held at the Tokyo International Forum as one of the activities in connection with the "regional strategic plan for doubling living space" advocated by Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi. A total of 460 five-year "regional strategic plans" drafted on the initiative of regional groups of municipalities throughout Japan have been submitted to the central government, which has approved all of them. The symposium introduced 10 of these plans. In his opening remarks the Prime Minister explained the thinking behind the concept of "regional strategic plans, "saying, "Regions' promotion of the development of communities that their residents can be proud of, based on their own initiative and individuality, is the foundation for enabling citizens to lead cultured and comfortable lives." He added, "I earnestly hope for the further advancement of regional initiatives for the development of more livable, attractive communities."