Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� April, 2002

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the New Prime Minister's Official Residence Monday, April 22, 2002 An opening ceremony was held to inaugurate the new Prime Minister's Official Residence, which will serve as the face of the Government of Japan. The new Prime Minister's Official Residence will take over the role of the former residence, which had a history of 73 years. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi was joined by former Prime Ministers at the main entrance of the new Prime Minister's Official Residence to cut the ceremonial ribbon at the ceremony. Former Chief Cabinet Secretaries, the Speaker and the Vice-Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President and the Vice-President of the House of Councilors, the members of the Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and other dignitaries were also invited to attend. The design of the New Prime Minister's Official Residence is based on the concept of "simplicity and elegance conveying the essence of Japan," and incorporates expanded functionality, including facilities for receiving guests and venues for holding meetings beyond the capacity of the former Prime Minister's Official Residence. Furthermore, the new facility is fully equipped to serve as a crisis management center, including information technology and other crisis management facilities, as well as helipads for emergencies. After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, Prime Minister Koizumi stated, "We now have a new Prime Minister's Official Residence suitable for this new age that we live in. It is my intention that this facility will be open to and meet with the favor and approval of the people." The new Prime Minister's Official Residence will open for full use following the Golden Week holidays.