Prime Minister Naoto Kan held the 10th meeting of the Local Sovereignty Strategy Council at the Prime Minister's Office.

Discussion took place on reforming the regional offices of the national government, introducing subsidies in the form of block grants, and revising the system of obligations (gimuzuke) and frameworks (wakuzuke), among other matters.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said, "With regard to the further advancement of the action plan on the regional offices of the national government, regional alliances in the Kyushu and Kansai regions, and implementing the revision of the system of obligations and frameworks and the like, Prof. Jinno gave us a message that it would ultimately depend on the passion to make them come true.
Hearing everyone speaking, I felt truly proud of the great progress we made this year, in terms of implementing the decisions made at this Council, seeking the full understanding of the people, and sharing responsibilities.
I will continue doing the best I can in my responsibilities, and ask every one of you for your continued guidance next year and onwards."