The Twenty-Seventh Local Government System Research Council (First General Meeting) Monday, November 19, 2001 The First General Meeting of the 27th Local Government System Research Council was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. Acting in response to inquiries by the Prime Minister, this Research Council aims to add a comprehensive perspective to considerations on the current local government system with the aim of ensuring that the basic principles of the Constitution of Japan are fully realized. The Research Council was established within the Cabinet Office in order to research and deliberate on matters of importance to the local government system. At the Meeting, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi handed Chairman Ken Moroi an inquiry concerning "Structural Reform in the Local Government Administrative and Fiscal System in Accordance with the Changing Social and Economic Circumstances." Specialized discussions will be conducted based on this inquiry.