Prime Minister Naoto Kan held a Ministerial Meeting on the Shinmoe-dake Eruption, Heavy Snow, and Related Disasters at the Diet building.

The meeting was held in response to the damage caused by the heavy snow in areas along the Sea of Japan coast stretching from Northern Japan to Western Japan, which has continued since November 2010, and the damage caused by the volcanic eruption of Mount Kirishima (Shinmoe-dake) in Miyazaki Prefecture since January 19, 2011.
After a report from Mr. Ryu Matsumoto, Minister of State for Disaster Management, on the extent of the damages caused by the heavy snow and the Shinmoe-dake eruption, it was confirmed that, for immediate responses to the heavy snow and related disasters, the disaster readiness system will be strengthened, roads and lifelines will be secured by all means, and support will be provided for snow removal fees and other needs, among other measures. Furthermore, for immediate responses to the Shinmoe-dake eruption, it was confirmed that a thorough alert system will be established, efforts will be made to provide timely information to the residents, and prompt responses will also be made against volcanic ash, among other measures.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address, "Disastrous heavy snow has been continuing, and I would like to pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives while shoveling the snow off their rooftop or due to other causes. At the same time, I would also like to extend my sympathy for the many people who are forced to evacuate due to the eruption of Shinmoe-dake.
Although the nature of each disaster varies, since they all concern the lives and safety of the people, I ask you to work with local governments to respond to them. For the snow removal, I think mobilization of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for assistance should also be included in consideration. I also ask you to thoroughly deal with the Shinmoe-dake eruption with ceaseless vigilance."