Prime Minister Naoto Kan held a Ministerial Meeting on the Response to the New Zealand Earthquake at the Prime Minister's Office.

The meeting was held in response to the earthquake which occurred near Christchurch on the South Island of New Zealand in the morning of February 22 (Japan Time).

The Prime Minister said, "I hear that students and other people from Japan visiting New Zealand have also been affected by the disaster. In consideration of every possibility, I would like to give three instructions. First, it is of vital importance that we thoroughly gather information. Second, we must proceed with preparations to provide assistance to Japanese nationals. Third, we must start preparations for the extension of emergency relief. The Japan Disaster Relief Team, and perhaps the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the National Police Agency, and the Self-Defense Forces as well, must be able to begin operations immediately and be ready to be stationed anywhere should an official request be made. I therefore ask you to prepare for all possibilities."