Prime Minister Naoto Kan attended the first meeting of the Investigation Committee on the Accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Stations of Tokyo Electric Power Company held in Tokyo.

The objective of convening the Committee was to carry out a multifaceted investigation and verification from the point of view of the people, through a transparent and neutral process, for ascertaining the causes of the accident and the causes of the damages inflicted by the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Station of the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). In addition, the Committee aims to present policy recommendations for preventing the spread of damages caused by the accident and the reoccurrence of similar accidents, among other recommendations.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address, "I have presented three principles reflecting the stances of the Government and myself, which I would like the Committee to uphold.
First, I ask that the Committee conduct investigation and verification based on independent judgment irrespective of the Government's administration of nuclear power to date. Second, I ask that the Committee take a thoroughly transparent approach and fully disclose its processes to the people in Japan as well as to the international community. And third, I ask that the Committee comprehensively study not only the technical aspects but a multitude of dimensions.
Regarding these three principles, I would also like to ask for your understanding.

Lastly, with respect to transparency, let me say that the world is keeping a very sharp eye on us. While the very fact that the accident occurred is of course a grave matter, I believe whether or not we obtain international trust for thoroughly maintaining full disclosure, including that of the investigation into the accident's causes, will affect international trust in Japan itself. I earnestly ask that the Committee come up with a final report which will meet the world's expectations."