Prime Minister Naoto Kan attended the fourth meeting for consultations between the national and regional governments at the Prime Minister's Office.

Those attending the meeting on the national government's side were: Mr. Yoshito Sengoku, Chief Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Yoshihiro Katayama, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications and Minister of State for Promotion of Local Sovereignty, Mr. Yoshihiko Noda, Minister of Finance, Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister of State for National Policy, and Ms. Renho, Minister of State for Government Revitalization. On the regional government's side were representatives of six regional organizations.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address, "Local sovereignty reforms are intended to realize government and local communities with participation of residents. In order to bring about a society led by citizens and communities, it is essential to promote local sovereignty reforms based on the principle of subsidiarity. I recognize these reforms as an important step to overhaul the form of our nation.
I would like to continue working closely with you in order to advance the creation of a new country led by communities."