Prime Minister Naoto Kan held the fourth meeting of the Council of Executives of Public and Private Sectors to Promote Work-Life Balance at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister, relevant Cabinet Ministers, representatives of private organizations and others signed an agreement for the New Charter for Work-Life Balance and the Action Policy for Promoting Work-Life Balance.

In his closing address, the Prime Minister said, "In order to raise the vitality of our nation and restore Japan's vigor, it is important above all to ensure that people can lead healthy and affluent lives while working with a sense of reward and fulfillment as a responsible member of the workforce. In the latest G8 and G20 Summits as well, I heard the term "decent work" a number of times and felt that work is the most important issue, not only for Japan but also for the world as a whole. Moreover, economic independence for young people, whereby everyone can participate in the labor market based on motivation and potential regardless of gender, age, and other attributes, will bolster Japan's growth potential and, at the same time, reverse the trend of the declining birthrate and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society. As such, work-life balance can be said to complement economic growth. Based on this agreement, I would like to advance our efforts while promoting further coordination with labor and employer organizations."