Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

(Abridged)

Q&As

REPORTER: The Reconstruction Agency will be inaugurated today. While there are expectations that the new agency will promote reconstruction, there are likewise concerns about whether the agency will really be able to overcome vertical department-based structures in government and actually accelerate reconstruction efforts. What is the Government's response to such concerns?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I believe I mentioned yesterday too that the Reconstruction Agency will be inaugurated today. A structure consisting of regional bureaus and offices beneath the bureaus is also in place and various laws have also been passed, so I believe that with the structure, to borrow the words of the Prime Minister, we will be able to "speed up" full-fledged reconstruction. In addition, every effort will be made to ensure that the local reconstruction bureaus can provide a one-stop service to users, as we aim to provide a service that will be useful for local residents and will make them happy.

REPORTER: In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, did the Prime Minister make any statement or give any instructions concerning the inauguration of the Reconstruction Agency?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Today it was noted that Minister Hirano will serve as Minister for Reconstruction and in the ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting he received words of encouragement from Cabinet colleagues.

(Abridged)