Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held the 27th meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, a decision was made on the "revision of the evacuation zones and no-entry zones of Okuma Town," and discussion took place on themes such as the "issues for the reconstruction of Fukushima and how to carry forward the measures from now on," "recent measures taken related to decontamination and specified waste disposal, and the situation of the preparation of system therefor," and the "designation of specified nuclear facilities in Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)'s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station."

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

"Under the strong determination of 'without the revival of Fukushima Prefecture there can be no revival for Japan,' we have been engaged in the decommissioning of reactors damaged by the accident, decontamination, compensation, infrastructure recovery,  rebuilding of industry and other measures.
It was decided today that the designation of no-entry zones within Okuma Town is lifted. At present, the revision of zones is completed for six municipalities. I would like to strongly support the efforts carried forward by regions toward the return of residents.
In addition, the steady implementation of the decontamination promotion package and measures for the establishment of interim storage facilities and the treatment of specified waste are the issues that must be implemented by uniting the government's efforts. I will instruct the government to find human resources in each ministry, including relevant institutions and groups, and to work with strong cooperation as the entire government for the establishment of the system.
Particularly, the interim storage facility is essential for promoting the decontamination of areas within Fukushima Prefecture. Regarding this issue, the Governor of Fukushima Prefecture had expressed two days ago acceptance of the preliminary survey. I would like the survey to be implemented thoroughly and there to be a detailed explanation made so that people's understanding on the establishment of the facility is gained.
Even today, after 20 months has passed since the occurrence of the accident, many residents are still forced to face a long and arduous struggle in living as evacuees. I would like to request your utmost efforts towards the reconstruction of Fukushima."