Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda attended the 50th Anniversary National Ceremony of the Japan Federation of Senior Citizens Clubs held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

"Our country enjoys the highest level of longevity in the world, with more than 50,000 people among its population aged 100 years old or above.
I believe that the perspective that we must give the highest esteem to is making it possible for the elderly to enjoy their lasting time, which is the blessing of longevity, by having healthy, vigorous and fulfilling lives.
You are our forerunners in life and society, and have abundant knowledge and skills that have been nurtured through a long period. Your active engagement in regional communities and efforts to hand down various skills to the next generation are an essential part of maintaining the vitality of the entire society.
The government will steadily materialize various measures to support people in the era of a 90-year life-span, according to the General Principles Concerning Measures for the Aged Society that was approved by the Cabinet last month."