Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama visited Gunma Prefecture and observed various sites including Tomioka Silk Mill. He also exchanged views with the people at the local agricultural cooperative and municipal office.

Afterwards, Prime Minister Hatoyama stated his impressions, saying, "I made observations from a several perspectives. One is multicultural coexistence. Hearing the voice of the local people in a region which accommodates a large number of Japanese-Brazilians, I felt an urge to open up this country more and more in the future. Learning of pioneering efforts in the region helped me to think about what the government should do. The visit also made me consider how agriculture should be in the community and the modality of the individual household income support. Another perspective is the people's enthusiasm to have Tomioka Silk Mill included in the World Heritage List. Having heard their thoughts, I would like to consider what we can do to cooperate in their endeavor."