"Harnessing the smiles of children" (Posted on October 18)
"I think you'll agree that the smiling faces of children are truly wonderful any time you see them. One can feel hope for tomorrow just by watching them for a while, and more than anything, their smiles are a kind of healing of the stresses of daily life...
Children's smiling faces foster the smiles of their mothers and fathers. I have confirmed my belief that the creation of a country overflowing with such kinds of smiles is the aim of the "children first" policy advocated by the Democratic Party of Japan."
"Visits to Fukushima, Seoul, and events around Tokyo" (Posted on October 25)
"One which I can say had a particular impact on my life was an old American movie called Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, starring James Stewart. It tells the story of a politician who takes action in order to protect the environment...
Good movies change people's lives and their impressive nature spreads, regardless of national boundaries. I can't help thinking I would like politics also to have just such a presence in society."
""Preparedness and caliber" to create hope" (Posted on October 31)
"Today, the global population topped seven billion people, and it seems that in Japan as well, children born today can be officially recognized as being "the seven billionth person." We must pass the third supplementary budget and the drafts of related laws at as early a time as possible and then transition them into implementation in order to reduce by even a little the future burdens of the children born today."
"A duty to uphold "national credibility"" (Posted on November 7)
"Last week I participated in the G20 Summit held in Cannes, France...
One matter confirmed at this summit was that the fiscal issues of a single nation are having repercussions upon the globe and causing economic and financial instability internationally...
Looking at the situation in Greece, this summit once again caused me to feel deeply the importance of upholding "national credibility"."
* Read the rest
http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2011/11/111107.html
quarta-feira, 16 de novembro de 2011
sexta-feira, 14 de outubro de 2011
"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (October 13, 2011)
"Revitalizing agriculture through kizuna bonds with consumers"
Yesterday (the 10th), in order to obtain some insights into the revitalization of agriculture, I observed agricultural areas in Gunma Prefecture where people are engaged in leading-edge efforts such as the production of premium brand rice and the operation of direct-sales storefronts. Under the penetrating clear autumn sky, I was able to feel the fruitful nature of autumn throughout my entire being.
As I stated during the DPJ Presidential election as well, both of my parents were born to farming families. My father was the youngest of 6 siblings in a farming family in Toyama Prefecture, while my mother was the youngest of 11 siblings in Chiba Prefecture. My mother was often pulled into helping out with the farming work, and I understand that while I was still nursing I slept rocking in a bamboo basket, off to one side of the farmwork. Upon smelling the soil of the fields I felt that memory of my very early childhood being conjured up. I take pride in the fact that in that sense, my own roots can also be said to be found in agriculture.
I drove a combine and tried my hand at harvesting. The character for "rice" in Japanese is written by combining the characters also used to write the word "eighty-eight," and it is said that growing rice requires '88 stages' of toil, just as the character depicts. Even in this age in which we use machines for harvesting, rice, which is painstakingly harvested, is nothing other than the crystallization of the hard work of farmers all throughout the year.
The agricultural plaza in Kawaba village has set up a direct-sales location for just-harvested rice and vegetables as well as dairy products, sweets, and the like. By putting into practice a combination of "agriculture + tourism," the village is a great success, attracting more than a million people annually. Yesterday, one day of a sunny three-day weekend, was also bustling. I saw a great many people gathered along with their small children, and the parking lot was full with cars from outside Gunma Prefecture. Although I understand that the catalyst for that was the fact that a sister-city relationship was established with Setagaya ward in Tokyo, I was moved by the fact that such tremendous energy would come about by "urban consumers" interacting directly with and linking up with "abundantly enthusiastic producers."
I myself also purchased some premium brand Yukihotaka rice, which is the pride of the village, along with some apples, grapes, eggplant, and other items and brought these back to my wife at the official residence, and she was extremely pleased at this.
During this visit, I heard about various aspects of the current state of agriculture, ranging from the quite daring stories of creating new value through various means, one after the other, including through making the rice into a premium brand and selling locally-produced beer to the United States, to very deep-seated concerns about the sense of uncertainty towards the future and the lack of successors to the businesses.
The impression that stayed with me above all was the dignified figure of a young farmer 37 years old who grows rice and konnyaku, who enthusiastically exclaimed, "I want to make this village the best in all Japan!" How many young people saying such things with such a serious manner would we find if we looked all throughout Japan, I wonder. It was a moment in which I felt certain that great potential would surely open up in Japan's agricultural industries if we were to have even one more of these admirable business people in each local area in Japan, pulling forward regional agriculture with confidence and pride in their work.
Within this month, I intend to formulate a concrete action plan on the basis of the midterm proposal for the revival of the food and agriculture industries in Japan that was compiled in August. In what ways can the national government assist in order to revitalize agriculture and transform it into a growth industry? I will put forward a definite vision as a nation so that the people who will be responsible for the future can engage in agriculture enjoying both big dreams and peace of mind.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
October 11, 2011
Yesterday (the 10th), in order to obtain some insights into the revitalization of agriculture, I observed agricultural areas in Gunma Prefecture where people are engaged in leading-edge efforts such as the production of premium brand rice and the operation of direct-sales storefronts. Under the penetrating clear autumn sky, I was able to feel the fruitful nature of autumn throughout my entire being.
As I stated during the DPJ Presidential election as well, both of my parents were born to farming families. My father was the youngest of 6 siblings in a farming family in Toyama Prefecture, while my mother was the youngest of 11 siblings in Chiba Prefecture. My mother was often pulled into helping out with the farming work, and I understand that while I was still nursing I slept rocking in a bamboo basket, off to one side of the farmwork. Upon smelling the soil of the fields I felt that memory of my very early childhood being conjured up. I take pride in the fact that in that sense, my own roots can also be said to be found in agriculture.
I drove a combine and tried my hand at harvesting. The character for "rice" in Japanese is written by combining the characters also used to write the word "eighty-eight," and it is said that growing rice requires '88 stages' of toil, just as the character depicts. Even in this age in which we use machines for harvesting, rice, which is painstakingly harvested, is nothing other than the crystallization of the hard work of farmers all throughout the year.
The agricultural plaza in Kawaba village has set up a direct-sales location for just-harvested rice and vegetables as well as dairy products, sweets, and the like. By putting into practice a combination of "agriculture + tourism," the village is a great success, attracting more than a million people annually. Yesterday, one day of a sunny three-day weekend, was also bustling. I saw a great many people gathered along with their small children, and the parking lot was full with cars from outside Gunma Prefecture. Although I understand that the catalyst for that was the fact that a sister-city relationship was established with Setagaya ward in Tokyo, I was moved by the fact that such tremendous energy would come about by "urban consumers" interacting directly with and linking up with "abundantly enthusiastic producers."
I myself also purchased some premium brand Yukihotaka rice, which is the pride of the village, along with some apples, grapes, eggplant, and other items and brought these back to my wife at the official residence, and she was extremely pleased at this.
During this visit, I heard about various aspects of the current state of agriculture, ranging from the quite daring stories of creating new value through various means, one after the other, including through making the rice into a premium brand and selling locally-produced beer to the United States, to very deep-seated concerns about the sense of uncertainty towards the future and the lack of successors to the businesses.
The impression that stayed with me above all was the dignified figure of a young farmer 37 years old who grows rice and konnyaku, who enthusiastically exclaimed, "I want to make this village the best in all Japan!" How many young people saying such things with such a serious manner would we find if we looked all throughout Japan, I wonder. It was a moment in which I felt certain that great potential would surely open up in Japan's agricultural industries if we were to have even one more of these admirable business people in each local area in Japan, pulling forward regional agriculture with confidence and pride in their work.
Within this month, I intend to formulate a concrete action plan on the basis of the midterm proposal for the revival of the food and agriculture industries in Japan that was compiled in August. In what ways can the national government assist in order to revitalize agriculture and transform it into a growth industry? I will put forward a definite vision as a nation so that the people who will be responsible for the future can engage in agriculture enjoying both big dreams and peace of mind.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
October 11, 2011
"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (October 11, 2011)
"One month sprinting at full power"
As of yesterday, it has been one month since I assumed the office of Prime Minister. During this time, I sprinted with my utmost energy through responses to damages from the torrential rains of typhoons #12 and #15, through attendance at the United Nations General Assembly, query sessions at the Diet by representatives of political parties, and Budget Committee sessions.
My personal life has changed dramatically compared with my life before I took office. Turning on the TV and happening by pure chance to see a comedian doing an imitation of me was a more or less unexpected occurrence. I think that this is an honor in some sense, as it is indicative of the magnitude of the public's expectations, and it is also a phenomenon expressing the gravity of the prime minister's official responsibilities. I felt once again that I must steel myself as I engage in my duties.
Upon returning from the United States, last week at the Budget Committee sessions of both Houses of the Diet, I responded to questions from both the ruling and opposition parties regarding the critical issues to be addressed by this administration and the future directions our efforts will take. While each party and each parliamentary group may take a different approach, I think I was able to confirm that we do not have major gaps among us regarding the matter of "what we should do now." The opposition parties at times expressed harsh views, but I also received a large number of constructive recommendations. For this, I am very grateful.
Among these, I took very seriously the matter of the housing complex for government employees in Asaka, Saitama Prefecture whose construction is just getting underway, which had been pointed out to me as an issue. Today I toured the construction site, where I could confirm with my own eyes the state of progress of construction and so on. At the end of last year, the team of the three political-level appointees at the Ministry of Finance - including myself as the minister, the senior vice minister, and the parliamentary secretary - made a comprehensive decision that this project would, among other aspects, also "contribute to fostering the local community."
However, through the course of Diet debates, I came to feel once more that it is imperative for us to properly consider public sentiment, particularly that among the people affected by the disaster, against the backdrop of a tremendous amount of fiscal resources being required for reconstruction from the great earthquake and tsunamis and the fact that a very large number of disaster victims are leading lives of great inconvenience in temporary housing as we head into winter. Fortunately, although the construction site is still technically at the stage of "groundbreaking," in fact it is at a stage at which the pile driving has not even been completed, and it is thus possible to bring construction to a halt. At the site, at which there remain a number of older trees of considerable height, local citizens had also gathered to voice their opposition to the construction, and I noticed that in the surrounding area there was a diversity of opinions about the matter.
Considering these circumstances, after undertaking very careful consideration, a little while ago I instructed Minister of Finance Jun Azumi, the minister in charge, to put the project on hold at least for the five years that will be the period in which reconstruction will be conducted intensively.
The people earnestly continuing their reconstruction efforts in the disaster-stricken areas and people in small and medium-sized enterprises struggling with the appreciation of the yen are all awaiting the execution of countermeasures. We must submit the draft third supplementary budget and the related bills to the Diet as soon as possible.
As we move forward with consultations among the ruling and opposition parties, I intend to listen humbly when I receive good proposals from the opposition parties and the entire spectrum of Japanese society, as was the case with this issue of the housing complex for government employees in Asaka.
On Saturday last week, cleanup work and other such matters were finally completed, thereby finishing the preparations for me to move into the Prime Minister's official residence, situated next to the Prime Minister's Office. From now on, I intend to press down even more firmly on the accelerator, shift to a higher gear, and with a sense of speed work to bring about various policies.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
October 3, 2011
As of yesterday, it has been one month since I assumed the office of Prime Minister. During this time, I sprinted with my utmost energy through responses to damages from the torrential rains of typhoons #12 and #15, through attendance at the United Nations General Assembly, query sessions at the Diet by representatives of political parties, and Budget Committee sessions.
My personal life has changed dramatically compared with my life before I took office. Turning on the TV and happening by pure chance to see a comedian doing an imitation of me was a more or less unexpected occurrence. I think that this is an honor in some sense, as it is indicative of the magnitude of the public's expectations, and it is also a phenomenon expressing the gravity of the prime minister's official responsibilities. I felt once again that I must steel myself as I engage in my duties.
Upon returning from the United States, last week at the Budget Committee sessions of both Houses of the Diet, I responded to questions from both the ruling and opposition parties regarding the critical issues to be addressed by this administration and the future directions our efforts will take. While each party and each parliamentary group may take a different approach, I think I was able to confirm that we do not have major gaps among us regarding the matter of "what we should do now." The opposition parties at times expressed harsh views, but I also received a large number of constructive recommendations. For this, I am very grateful.
Among these, I took very seriously the matter of the housing complex for government employees in Asaka, Saitama Prefecture whose construction is just getting underway, which had been pointed out to me as an issue. Today I toured the construction site, where I could confirm with my own eyes the state of progress of construction and so on. At the end of last year, the team of the three political-level appointees at the Ministry of Finance - including myself as the minister, the senior vice minister, and the parliamentary secretary - made a comprehensive decision that this project would, among other aspects, also "contribute to fostering the local community."
However, through the course of Diet debates, I came to feel once more that it is imperative for us to properly consider public sentiment, particularly that among the people affected by the disaster, against the backdrop of a tremendous amount of fiscal resources being required for reconstruction from the great earthquake and tsunamis and the fact that a very large number of disaster victims are leading lives of great inconvenience in temporary housing as we head into winter. Fortunately, although the construction site is still technically at the stage of "groundbreaking," in fact it is at a stage at which the pile driving has not even been completed, and it is thus possible to bring construction to a halt. At the site, at which there remain a number of older trees of considerable height, local citizens had also gathered to voice their opposition to the construction, and I noticed that in the surrounding area there was a diversity of opinions about the matter.
Considering these circumstances, after undertaking very careful consideration, a little while ago I instructed Minister of Finance Jun Azumi, the minister in charge, to put the project on hold at least for the five years that will be the period in which reconstruction will be conducted intensively.
The people earnestly continuing their reconstruction efforts in the disaster-stricken areas and people in small and medium-sized enterprises struggling with the appreciation of the yen are all awaiting the execution of countermeasures. We must submit the draft third supplementary budget and the related bills to the Diet as soon as possible.
As we move forward with consultations among the ruling and opposition parties, I intend to listen humbly when I receive good proposals from the opposition parties and the entire spectrum of Japanese society, as was the case with this issue of the housing complex for government employees in Asaka.
On Saturday last week, cleanup work and other such matters were finally completed, thereby finishing the preparations for me to move into the Prime Minister's official residence, situated next to the Prime Minister's Office. From now on, I intend to press down even more firmly on the accelerator, shift to a higher gear, and with a sense of speed work to bring about various policies.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
October 3, 2011
quinta-feira, 29 de setembro de 2011
"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (September 29, 2011)
"Delivering Japan's thoughts to the world"
Last night (the 24th), I returned safely to Japan from New York, the location of my first trip overseas since taking office as Prime Minister.
A report of the effects of the intense rainfall caused by the typhoon arrived just as I was about to depart Haneda Airport on Tuesday. I was worried about the situation throughout my stay in the US, even though I had given instructions to the Chief Cabinet Secretary (whom I had placed in charge of affairs while I was away) and was receiving daily briefings. I extend my sympathy to the people who suffered damages from the typhoon, and I also continue to urge people to remain vigilant against landslides.
In New York, which was the venue of the United Nations General Assembly, heads of state and government from all around the world gathered, creating a distinctive atmosphere in which the pomp of the front line in diplomatic engagements mixed together with the sense of tension from a heightened state of alert.
In addition to delivering two addresses at the UN General Assembly's large meeting hall, I had a series of meetings with various heads of state and government, including US President Barack Obama. A substantial number of leaders set aside time to meet with me within the very limited time that each of us were there, and I was able to go forward with all of these meetings amidst a good atmosphere. I consider this to have been a good start for deepening our relationships of personal trust into the future. Although I am said to be the third-youngest Japanese prime minister in the post- war era, a number of the national leaders that I met were younger than I. I reaffirmed my thinking that I must engage in diplomacy tirelessly, devoting my passion and my energy to it in a way that measures up to that shown by these leaders.
More than anything, in my speeches at the United Nations addressing the world, I was careful to approach them in a calm state of mind. The High-Level Meeting on Nuclear Safety and Security, which took place first, was convened through the initiative of Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon. The participating heads of state and government also referred to "Fukushima" numerous times, and I felt heightened interest in Japan's "lessons learned" and "knowledge" regarding nuclear safety. I believe that I delivered an address that lived up to that level of interest.
The address I delivered at the General Assembly was the second of my speeches, and the hall was abuzz, as I spoke directly after Dr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, who drew a great deal of attention, as Palestine is the subject of the question of United Nations membership. I resolutely geared myself up, and as I began my address, my eyes met the gaze of a number of delegates and I could tell that they were listening intently. I have great hopes that my messages of 'thanks' for the assistance Japan received from around the world and 'determination' towards Japan's revival were conveyed to the world with certainty.
I spent a very intense time there, handling a great number of matters over just a few days, but there are a couple of points that I would like to introduce to you in particular.
The first one is from when I had the opportunity to meet with Japanese staff members of the United Nations. There are many Japanese working as staff of the United Nations and its related organizations. It is not only people in the field of sports such as Mr. Hideki Matsui or Mr. Ichiro Suzuki that are "major leaguers" taking the world as their stage and accommodate the world in the course of their work. The staff of international organizations should be considered new models for Japanese, being actively engaged abroad and devoting themselves to resolve the various problems facing the world. I believe that we should have a greater number of such people corresponding to Japan's national strength. The government will provide proper assistance so that these people can engage in their activities and have younger staff pursue that same path.
Another point I would like to share is from when I hosted a reception thanking the countries of the world for their assistance. In response to the earthquake and tsunami disaster, Japan received offers of assistance from over 160 countries and regions and more than 40 international organizations. A large number of heads of state and government and foreign ministers gathered at this reception as well, including President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka, and President Roza Otunbayeva of the Kyrgyz Republic, among others, and Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon also graciously stopped in briefly, despite his extremely busy schedule.
I spoke individually with each person attending. As we at the reception partook of sake sourced from the disaster affected area, I conveyed my appreciation to each person, saying, "The fellowship and solidarity shown to us from around the world lit up the hearts of a great number of Japanese and persons affected by the disaster and provided them with hope for tomorrow." It was a night on which I once more felt very keenly the fact that the bonds of friendship - the kizuna - between Japan and the world are both wide-reaching and deep.
In the press conference held just before I returned to Japan, I stated that this visit to the US had four aims. These were, first, to express our gratitude to the countries of the world and to pledge Japan's revival; second, to convey to the international community the lessons learned through the earthquake and tsunami disaster and to share our experiences and knowledge; third, to announce Japan's intention to make further contributions to the realization of a brighter future; and fourth, to build relationships of trust with other world leaders. I feel there has clearly been a good response regarding each of these areas.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
September 25, 2011
Last night (the 24th), I returned safely to Japan from New York, the location of my first trip overseas since taking office as Prime Minister.
A report of the effects of the intense rainfall caused by the typhoon arrived just as I was about to depart Haneda Airport on Tuesday. I was worried about the situation throughout my stay in the US, even though I had given instructions to the Chief Cabinet Secretary (whom I had placed in charge of affairs while I was away) and was receiving daily briefings. I extend my sympathy to the people who suffered damages from the typhoon, and I also continue to urge people to remain vigilant against landslides.
In New York, which was the venue of the United Nations General Assembly, heads of state and government from all around the world gathered, creating a distinctive atmosphere in which the pomp of the front line in diplomatic engagements mixed together with the sense of tension from a heightened state of alert.
In addition to delivering two addresses at the UN General Assembly's large meeting hall, I had a series of meetings with various heads of state and government, including US President Barack Obama. A substantial number of leaders set aside time to meet with me within the very limited time that each of us were there, and I was able to go forward with all of these meetings amidst a good atmosphere. I consider this to have been a good start for deepening our relationships of personal trust into the future. Although I am said to be the third-youngest Japanese prime minister in the post- war era, a number of the national leaders that I met were younger than I. I reaffirmed my thinking that I must engage in diplomacy tirelessly, devoting my passion and my energy to it in a way that measures up to that shown by these leaders.
More than anything, in my speeches at the United Nations addressing the world, I was careful to approach them in a calm state of mind. The High-Level Meeting on Nuclear Safety and Security, which took place first, was convened through the initiative of Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon. The participating heads of state and government also referred to "Fukushima" numerous times, and I felt heightened interest in Japan's "lessons learned" and "knowledge" regarding nuclear safety. I believe that I delivered an address that lived up to that level of interest.
The address I delivered at the General Assembly was the second of my speeches, and the hall was abuzz, as I spoke directly after Dr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, who drew a great deal of attention, as Palestine is the subject of the question of United Nations membership. I resolutely geared myself up, and as I began my address, my eyes met the gaze of a number of delegates and I could tell that they were listening intently. I have great hopes that my messages of 'thanks' for the assistance Japan received from around the world and 'determination' towards Japan's revival were conveyed to the world with certainty.
I spent a very intense time there, handling a great number of matters over just a few days, but there are a couple of points that I would like to introduce to you in particular.
The first one is from when I had the opportunity to meet with Japanese staff members of the United Nations. There are many Japanese working as staff of the United Nations and its related organizations. It is not only people in the field of sports such as Mr. Hideki Matsui or Mr. Ichiro Suzuki that are "major leaguers" taking the world as their stage and accommodate the world in the course of their work. The staff of international organizations should be considered new models for Japanese, being actively engaged abroad and devoting themselves to resolve the various problems facing the world. I believe that we should have a greater number of such people corresponding to Japan's national strength. The government will provide proper assistance so that these people can engage in their activities and have younger staff pursue that same path.
Another point I would like to share is from when I hosted a reception thanking the countries of the world for their assistance. In response to the earthquake and tsunami disaster, Japan received offers of assistance from over 160 countries and regions and more than 40 international organizations. A large number of heads of state and government and foreign ministers gathered at this reception as well, including President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka, and President Roza Otunbayeva of the Kyrgyz Republic, among others, and Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon also graciously stopped in briefly, despite his extremely busy schedule.
I spoke individually with each person attending. As we at the reception partook of sake sourced from the disaster affected area, I conveyed my appreciation to each person, saying, "The fellowship and solidarity shown to us from around the world lit up the hearts of a great number of Japanese and persons affected by the disaster and provided them with hope for tomorrow." It was a night on which I once more felt very keenly the fact that the bonds of friendship - the kizuna - between Japan and the world are both wide-reaching and deep.
In the press conference held just before I returned to Japan, I stated that this visit to the US had four aims. These were, first, to express our gratitude to the countries of the world and to pledge Japan's revival; second, to convey to the international community the lessons learned through the earthquake and tsunami disaster and to share our experiences and knowledge; third, to announce Japan's intention to make further contributions to the realization of a brighter future; and fourth, to build relationships of trust with other world leaders. I feel there has clearly been a good response regarding each of these areas.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
September 25, 2011
terça-feira, 27 de setembro de 2011
"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (September 27, 2011)
"The spirit of manufacturing and the power of the workplace"
On Respect for the Aged Day yesterday (the 19th), I paid a visit to two small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tokyo's Ota Ward as well as to the Yokohama factory of an automobile manufacturer. At each of these places we held an exchange of views centered on the impact of the recent appreciation of the yen.
When you get a sense of a manufacturing location through your own eyes and ears and listen unfiltered to what executives and workers have to say, you will most certainly find out something new that can't be perceived through the figures of economic indicators alone.
I found the master craftsmanship of professionals which compare favorably with precision instruments, competing on processing that achieves accuracy at the single-micron scale. A long-established plating company is taking on the new growing market of smart grids with a vigorous attitude.
The SMEs of Ota Ward with their dreams and passion and pride, as depicted in Jun Ikeido's recent award-winning novel Shitamachi (old down town) Rocket, are clearly not only in the pages of a novel but a strength of Japan existing here and now. I felt this very keenly along with the somehow familiar smell of oil of these factories.
Yet at the same time, the recent appreciation of the yen has brought about a sense of crisis more than any other aspects in years past.
"If our business partners head overseas, we won't be able to maintain production in Japan either."
"We can't get a clear view of the future and cash flow is extremely tight."
"We're in a process of trial and error so as to hand specialized skills down to the younger generation."
I heard such statements one after the other during the opportunities to speak with the executives.
Even companies with superior technologies face this kind of situation. We cannot even grasp the predicament for the many companies for which it is quite difficult to offer some sort of unique product or service. We must not allow technologies and human resources that should remain in Japan to flow out to overseas on account of excessive appreciation of the yen.
In order to avoid the hollowing out of industry, within the forthcoming third supplementary budget I intend to address tenaciously a strengthening of support for cash flow for SMEs and other such measures.
Yesterday, I also had the opportunity to visit a factory handling the technological development and production of state-of-the-art electric vehicles. It is a very welcome state of affairs that companies are making forward-looking investments to take on international competition while committing to hiring employees domestically, with financial incentives from the government to support business locations serving as pump-priming measures.
Here again, what I found to be the most marvelous was the power of "the workplace," as well as the executives, who know very well that that is their strength.
The thing that left the greatest impression on me was the moment at which a veteran assistant manager at one of these factories came to make an appeal. I felt that he was harboring very intense feelings, judging from his very powerful eye contact.
"What brought a resurgence in post-war Japan after we were defeated in the war and lost everything was the fact that there were workers at our factories with pride and dreams. Utilizing the "spirit of manufacturing" that had been handed down from older workers, we intend to keep up our endeavors to prevail over the competition in terms of cost and quality."
The technological capabilities owned by such factories and, indeed, their passion are truly wonderful things. We must not allow them to be diminished. The national government will consider responses that utilize Japan's strengths in a strategic manner.
Today we will decide criteria for budget requests for the next fiscal year and from now I will be departing for New York. I am currently in the midst of polishing the address I will deliver at the United Nations General Assembly.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
September 20, 2011
On Respect for the Aged Day yesterday (the 19th), I paid a visit to two small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tokyo's Ota Ward as well as to the Yokohama factory of an automobile manufacturer. At each of these places we held an exchange of views centered on the impact of the recent appreciation of the yen.
When you get a sense of a manufacturing location through your own eyes and ears and listen unfiltered to what executives and workers have to say, you will most certainly find out something new that can't be perceived through the figures of economic indicators alone.
I found the master craftsmanship of professionals which compare favorably with precision instruments, competing on processing that achieves accuracy at the single-micron scale. A long-established plating company is taking on the new growing market of smart grids with a vigorous attitude.
The SMEs of Ota Ward with their dreams and passion and pride, as depicted in Jun Ikeido's recent award-winning novel Shitamachi (old down town) Rocket, are clearly not only in the pages of a novel but a strength of Japan existing here and now. I felt this very keenly along with the somehow familiar smell of oil of these factories.
Yet at the same time, the recent appreciation of the yen has brought about a sense of crisis more than any other aspects in years past.
"If our business partners head overseas, we won't be able to maintain production in Japan either."
"We can't get a clear view of the future and cash flow is extremely tight."
"We're in a process of trial and error so as to hand specialized skills down to the younger generation."
I heard such statements one after the other during the opportunities to speak with the executives.
Even companies with superior technologies face this kind of situation. We cannot even grasp the predicament for the many companies for which it is quite difficult to offer some sort of unique product or service. We must not allow technologies and human resources that should remain in Japan to flow out to overseas on account of excessive appreciation of the yen.
In order to avoid the hollowing out of industry, within the forthcoming third supplementary budget I intend to address tenaciously a strengthening of support for cash flow for SMEs and other such measures.
Yesterday, I also had the opportunity to visit a factory handling the technological development and production of state-of-the-art electric vehicles. It is a very welcome state of affairs that companies are making forward-looking investments to take on international competition while committing to hiring employees domestically, with financial incentives from the government to support business locations serving as pump-priming measures.
Here again, what I found to be the most marvelous was the power of "the workplace," as well as the executives, who know very well that that is their strength.
The thing that left the greatest impression on me was the moment at which a veteran assistant manager at one of these factories came to make an appeal. I felt that he was harboring very intense feelings, judging from his very powerful eye contact.
"What brought a resurgence in post-war Japan after we were defeated in the war and lost everything was the fact that there were workers at our factories with pride and dreams. Utilizing the "spirit of manufacturing" that had been handed down from older workers, we intend to keep up our endeavors to prevail over the competition in terms of cost and quality."
The technological capabilities owned by such factories and, indeed, their passion are truly wonderful things. We must not allow them to be diminished. The national government will consider responses that utilize Japan's strengths in a strategic manner.
Today we will decide criteria for budget requests for the next fiscal year and from now I will be departing for New York. I am currently in the midst of polishing the address I will deliver at the United Nations General Assembly.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
September 20, 2011
"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (September 20, 2011)
"Upon finishing my first policy speech to the Diet"
Yesterday (the 13th), I delivered a policy speech to the Diet for the first time. Only my speech to the House of Representatives was broadcast on TV, but I delivered one at the House of Councillors as well. I therefore finished a total of two speeches, at roughly 35 minutes each.
As I said during that speech, the issues that the Noda Cabinet needs to be engaged in are self-evident: "overcoming the dual crises" of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the global economic crisis. We will also "restore a Japan that has pride and hope." In a phrase, this is recovering our "national credibility." Then, through "implementation," we will spare no efforts in leading to "results."
In the text of my policy speech I used an expression that many in the public thought it was a typing error. I used the expression "seishin sei-i" in explaining how I will conduct myself as Prime Minister, and this is normally written with Japanese characters to mean "wholeheartedly." I however chose to use different characters in rendering this expression, using instead the characters originally used by the statesman Katsu Kaishu - "sincere spirit and just intent" - in order to express my current thinking more aptly. Taking this approach of "sincere spirit and just intent," I will "amass and concentrate Japan's potential." This is my sincere wish, and what I am resolved to do.
In fact, the policy speech to the Diet is not an occasion in which you can get a feeling for the atmosphere and insert ideas on the spot or express yourself as you like. The text is approved by the Cabinet in advance and printed copies must be handed out at the Diet beforehand, so you cannot deviate from the prepared text even the slightest as you deliver it. Not being able to modify my approach as I looked at the faces in the audience, I felt it was a little inconvenient to deliver a "speech" of this kind.
Thinking of the form the Diet should take, using dialogue to work towards agreement, I carried on until the speeches were finished.
In the introduction, I made an appeal to the public, stating three times "there are things we should not forget."
I spoke of Ms. Miki Endo and her disaster prevention messages over the radio, and the mayor of the town of Nachi-Katsuura, Mr. Shinichi Teramoto, who impressed me deeply when I met him in person, and the words of a play by high school students that moved me when I watched in on a DVD given to me by Mr. Yuhei Sato, governor of Fukushima Prefecture. Rather than ride upon the words of great persons in world history or upon "borrowed" words arising from abstruse historical events or famous sayings, I wove in some episodes that truly moved me deeply, hoping to communicate heart to heart with the public. I would like to pray once more for the repose of the souls of Ms. Endo, Mayor Teramoto's family, and the others who have lost their lives, while also extending my sincerest sympathies to all those who have been affected by the disaster.
The play created by Fukushima high school students, from which I quoted the very striking line, "To see our grandchildren in Fukushima, to see our great-grandchildren in Fukushima, and to end our days in Fukushima" is one that is truly moving. I've inserted a link to the video here(*) and I would be very pleased if as many people as possible watched it.
Query sessions by representatives of political parties will continue at the Diet until the day after tomorrow (the 16th). Next week I will make a speech at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. I will express Japan's appreciation to the international community for the assistance we received in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami disaster, and demonstrate Japan's orientation as we work vigorously towards recovery and reconstruction.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
September 14, 2011
Yesterday (the 13th), I delivered a policy speech to the Diet for the first time. Only my speech to the House of Representatives was broadcast on TV, but I delivered one at the House of Councillors as well. I therefore finished a total of two speeches, at roughly 35 minutes each.
As I said during that speech, the issues that the Noda Cabinet needs to be engaged in are self-evident: "overcoming the dual crises" of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the global economic crisis. We will also "restore a Japan that has pride and hope." In a phrase, this is recovering our "national credibility." Then, through "implementation," we will spare no efforts in leading to "results."
In the text of my policy speech I used an expression that many in the public thought it was a typing error. I used the expression "seishin sei-i" in explaining how I will conduct myself as Prime Minister, and this is normally written with Japanese characters to mean "wholeheartedly." I however chose to use different characters in rendering this expression, using instead the characters originally used by the statesman Katsu Kaishu - "sincere spirit and just intent" - in order to express my current thinking more aptly. Taking this approach of "sincere spirit and just intent," I will "amass and concentrate Japan's potential." This is my sincere wish, and what I am resolved to do.
In fact, the policy speech to the Diet is not an occasion in which you can get a feeling for the atmosphere and insert ideas on the spot or express yourself as you like. The text is approved by the Cabinet in advance and printed copies must be handed out at the Diet beforehand, so you cannot deviate from the prepared text even the slightest as you deliver it. Not being able to modify my approach as I looked at the faces in the audience, I felt it was a little inconvenient to deliver a "speech" of this kind.
Thinking of the form the Diet should take, using dialogue to work towards agreement, I carried on until the speeches were finished.
In the introduction, I made an appeal to the public, stating three times "there are things we should not forget."
I spoke of Ms. Miki Endo and her disaster prevention messages over the radio, and the mayor of the town of Nachi-Katsuura, Mr. Shinichi Teramoto, who impressed me deeply when I met him in person, and the words of a play by high school students that moved me when I watched in on a DVD given to me by Mr. Yuhei Sato, governor of Fukushima Prefecture. Rather than ride upon the words of great persons in world history or upon "borrowed" words arising from abstruse historical events or famous sayings, I wove in some episodes that truly moved me deeply, hoping to communicate heart to heart with the public. I would like to pray once more for the repose of the souls of Ms. Endo, Mayor Teramoto's family, and the others who have lost their lives, while also extending my sincerest sympathies to all those who have been affected by the disaster.
The play created by Fukushima high school students, from which I quoted the very striking line, "To see our grandchildren in Fukushima, to see our great-grandchildren in Fukushima, and to end our days in Fukushima" is one that is truly moving. I've inserted a link to the video here(*) and I would be very pleased if as many people as possible watched it.
Query sessions by representatives of political parties will continue at the Diet until the day after tomorrow (the 16th). Next week I will make a speech at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. I will express Japan's appreciation to the international community for the assistance we received in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami disaster, and demonstrate Japan's orientation as we work vigorously towards recovery and reconstruction.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
September 14, 2011
quinta-feira, 15 de setembro de 2011
"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (September 15, 2011)
"Touring the disaster areas"
Hello to all the Japanese people. I am Yoshihiko Noda, appointed Prime Minister recently. Taking a lesson from some of the prime ministers who preceded me, I have decided to launch this blog in order to convey to you, the public, the job performance of the Noda Cabinet.
The starting point of my political activities was making early morning speeches out in front of train stations, an activity which I continued every day, in the heat or in the cold, for the quarter- century since I became a Diet member. I had recorded onto hand- written flyers a report of my activities for the week and a message and handed these out to the people in my electoral district. [These I dubbed the "kawara edition" - kawara being the ceramic roof tiles used on so many Japanese homes - and now the Japanese version of this online blog is called the Kantei kawara-ban, the kawara edition from the Prime Minister's Office ]
Normally of course I would like to speak to you all face to face in front of the train station, but for now I will start with this format. To be perfectly honest, I'm not confident about how often I will be able to write something for the blog, but I'd like to continue with this for as long as possible.
Since taking office on this past September 2, what has been the greatest priority for me more than anything else was visiting the areas that suffered damage in the great earthquake and tsunami disaster or during Typhoon #12 in person to confirm with my own eyes and ears what exactly they needed. On the 8th I visited Fukushima, on the 9th Mie, Nara, and Wakayama, and on the 10th Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures.
In Fukushima, I took an inspection tour within the grounds of the TEPCO's Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station. After changing into protective gear and donning a mask that covers one's entire face, it was hard to breathe, and the heat was also difficult to cope with. I delivered short remarks to Mr. Masao Yoshida, General Manager of the power station, the staff working under him at the emergency response room, and the workers shouldering the tasks on site, and then traveled around the perimeter of the reactor buildings by bus. As for the outward appearance, looking close up at the collapsed building of Unit 3, which still retains the appearance it had when the hydrogen explosions occurred, I felt very keenly that this "battle" to bring the situation under stable control is still very much continuing even now. The devoted efforts of the workers at the site are supporting this country. With these feelings of appreciation, I encouraged the persons involved to the fullest extent of my power.
At a Central Meeting Hall and elementary school in the city of Date, where model operations are underway to decontaminate radioactive materials, I saw that the people of the local area are making a collective effort to decontaminate the areas they use in their daily lives.
With regard to the decontamination of radioactivity, at the Cabinet Meeting of the 9th, a budget of 220 billion yen was approved, making use of reserve funds. It has been decided that the 12 municipalities designated for evacuation will all have model operations set up. I intend for the national government to continue to fulfill its responsibilities while working in cooperation with the heads of the local municipalities.
At the Fukushima Prefectural Office, I, together with relevant ministers and senior vice-ministers, held an exchange of views with Mr. Yuhei Sato, Governor of Fukushima Prefecture, and the mayors of municipalities within the prefecture. I reiterated the stance of the Cabinet, that "Without the revival of Fukushima, there can be no revitalization of a vibrant Japan," and very helpfully, I received a variety of requests. This was a very meaningful exchange of views.
On Friday the 9th, I viewed the state of damage in the three Nanki area prefectures of Mie, Nara, and Wakayama both from the road and from the air, via helicopter. I felt very poignantly the depth of the traces of the damage from Typhoon 12 and the horror of the concentrated heavy rain and landslides. I instructed that, with lifesaving as the foremost priority, all-out efforts are to be made towards emergency countermeasures for this disaster, including the relief and rescue of the victims, that it is imperative to strive to grasp the situation of damage in a rapid and accurate manner, and that efforts are to be made with a sense of urgency, in cooperation with the related prefectural offices and local authorities. With regard to the "natural dam" that has appeared as a result of the landslides, there are locations at which it is possible that the dam might fail if precipitation were to fall from now and the water level were to rise. I urge the local residents to pay careful attention to the information from the local authorities and to remain vigilant.
After that, I exchanged views with the heads of the relevant local authorities. Mr. Teramoto, mayor of the town of Nachikatsuura, was among those participating. I was deeply impressed by his manner in leading the relief and rescue of the residents with all his strength even though his daughter, who was engaged to be married, lost her life in the disaster and his wife also remains unaccounted for.
On Saturday the 10th, I visited Iwate and Miyagi prefectures. In the city of Rikuzentakata in Iwate, the decrepit state of the city hall, which had been wrecked by the tsunamis, was still visible, and I could see the destructive power of the tsunamis resulting from the great earthquake. The fishing port of the city of Kesennuma, which was damaged by the tsumani, is once again landing fish and everywhere I could feel vitality towards reconstruction. I have already stated on many occasions that "the critical issues for my Cabinet are recovery and reconstruction from the earthquake and tsunami disaster, including bringing the situation at the nuclear plant under stable control." We must invest in the disaster- struck areas energy that goes beyond the destructive power of this tsunami. In order for the national government to respond with a sense of speed, I have become even more determined to reflect this in the third supplementary budget as well as in the formulation of the fiscal 2012 budget, after listening carefully to the views and the requests of the local people.
It is truly unfortunate that recently there was a member of the Cabinet who resigned as a result of his inappropriate remarks and actions, which failed to consider the feelings of the disaster victims. To restore the trust of the people, my Cabinet will fulfill its responsibilities, working together and pushing ahead vigorously towards resolving the nuclear accident and assisting the disaster victims.
This week, the extraordinary Diet session will begin, and on the 13th I will deliver my first policy speech to the Diet. I ask the Japanese people for their cordial but stringent guidance and encouragement.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
September 12, 2011
Hello to all the Japanese people. I am Yoshihiko Noda, appointed Prime Minister recently. Taking a lesson from some of the prime ministers who preceded me, I have decided to launch this blog in order to convey to you, the public, the job performance of the Noda Cabinet.
The starting point of my political activities was making early morning speeches out in front of train stations, an activity which I continued every day, in the heat or in the cold, for the quarter- century since I became a Diet member. I had recorded onto hand- written flyers a report of my activities for the week and a message and handed these out to the people in my electoral district. [These I dubbed the "kawara edition" - kawara being the ceramic roof tiles used on so many Japanese homes - and now the Japanese version of this online blog is called the Kantei kawara-ban, the kawara edition from the Prime Minister's Office ]
Normally of course I would like to speak to you all face to face in front of the train station, but for now I will start with this format. To be perfectly honest, I'm not confident about how often I will be able to write something for the blog, but I'd like to continue with this for as long as possible.
Since taking office on this past September 2, what has been the greatest priority for me more than anything else was visiting the areas that suffered damage in the great earthquake and tsunami disaster or during Typhoon #12 in person to confirm with my own eyes and ears what exactly they needed. On the 8th I visited Fukushima, on the 9th Mie, Nara, and Wakayama, and on the 10th Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures.
In Fukushima, I took an inspection tour within the grounds of the TEPCO's Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station. After changing into protective gear and donning a mask that covers one's entire face, it was hard to breathe, and the heat was also difficult to cope with. I delivered short remarks to Mr. Masao Yoshida, General Manager of the power station, the staff working under him at the emergency response room, and the workers shouldering the tasks on site, and then traveled around the perimeter of the reactor buildings by bus. As for the outward appearance, looking close up at the collapsed building of Unit 3, which still retains the appearance it had when the hydrogen explosions occurred, I felt very keenly that this "battle" to bring the situation under stable control is still very much continuing even now. The devoted efforts of the workers at the site are supporting this country. With these feelings of appreciation, I encouraged the persons involved to the fullest extent of my power.
At a Central Meeting Hall and elementary school in the city of Date, where model operations are underway to decontaminate radioactive materials, I saw that the people of the local area are making a collective effort to decontaminate the areas they use in their daily lives.
With regard to the decontamination of radioactivity, at the Cabinet Meeting of the 9th, a budget of 220 billion yen was approved, making use of reserve funds. It has been decided that the 12 municipalities designated for evacuation will all have model operations set up. I intend for the national government to continue to fulfill its responsibilities while working in cooperation with the heads of the local municipalities.
At the Fukushima Prefectural Office, I, together with relevant ministers and senior vice-ministers, held an exchange of views with Mr. Yuhei Sato, Governor of Fukushima Prefecture, and the mayors of municipalities within the prefecture. I reiterated the stance of the Cabinet, that "Without the revival of Fukushima, there can be no revitalization of a vibrant Japan," and very helpfully, I received a variety of requests. This was a very meaningful exchange of views.
On Friday the 9th, I viewed the state of damage in the three Nanki area prefectures of Mie, Nara, and Wakayama both from the road and from the air, via helicopter. I felt very poignantly the depth of the traces of the damage from Typhoon 12 and the horror of the concentrated heavy rain and landslides. I instructed that, with lifesaving as the foremost priority, all-out efforts are to be made towards emergency countermeasures for this disaster, including the relief and rescue of the victims, that it is imperative to strive to grasp the situation of damage in a rapid and accurate manner, and that efforts are to be made with a sense of urgency, in cooperation with the related prefectural offices and local authorities. With regard to the "natural dam" that has appeared as a result of the landslides, there are locations at which it is possible that the dam might fail if precipitation were to fall from now and the water level were to rise. I urge the local residents to pay careful attention to the information from the local authorities and to remain vigilant.
After that, I exchanged views with the heads of the relevant local authorities. Mr. Teramoto, mayor of the town of Nachikatsuura, was among those participating. I was deeply impressed by his manner in leading the relief and rescue of the residents with all his strength even though his daughter, who was engaged to be married, lost her life in the disaster and his wife also remains unaccounted for.
On Saturday the 10th, I visited Iwate and Miyagi prefectures. In the city of Rikuzentakata in Iwate, the decrepit state of the city hall, which had been wrecked by the tsunamis, was still visible, and I could see the destructive power of the tsunamis resulting from the great earthquake. The fishing port of the city of Kesennuma, which was damaged by the tsumani, is once again landing fish and everywhere I could feel vitality towards reconstruction. I have already stated on many occasions that "the critical issues for my Cabinet are recovery and reconstruction from the earthquake and tsunami disaster, including bringing the situation at the nuclear plant under stable control." We must invest in the disaster- struck areas energy that goes beyond the destructive power of this tsunami. In order for the national government to respond with a sense of speed, I have become even more determined to reflect this in the third supplementary budget as well as in the formulation of the fiscal 2012 budget, after listening carefully to the views and the requests of the local people.
It is truly unfortunate that recently there was a member of the Cabinet who resigned as a result of his inappropriate remarks and actions, which failed to consider the feelings of the disaster victims. To restore the trust of the people, my Cabinet will fulfill its responsibilities, working together and pushing ahead vigorously towards resolving the nuclear accident and assisting the disaster victims.
This week, the extraordinary Diet session will begin, and on the 13th I will deliver my first policy speech to the Diet. I ask the Japanese people for their cordial but stringent guidance and encouragement.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
September 12, 2011
segunda-feira, 29 de agosto de 2011
Yoshihiko Noda será o novo primeiro-ministro do Japão
Deverá ser indicado, nos próximos dias, como primeiro-ministro do Japão, o Sr. Yoshihiko Noda.
Tão logo tenhamos novas informações, providenciaremos a divulgação.
AOTS Alumni do Rio de Janeiro
segunda-feira, 22 de agosto de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (August 22, 2011)
"Dialogues with experts: "Now or never" countermeasures against radiation contamination"
Just before and after this past weekend, there was a steady 'step forward' in the reconstruction from the earthquake disaster and then regarding the nuclear energy issue. First of all, last Friday, the pending matter of the bill on "Special Measures for the Disposal of Rubble" was passed through the solid efforts of the persons involved. Through this, in combination with allowances received through the tax revenues allocated to local governments, the local authorities in the disaster-afflicted areas for all practical purposes now do not need to shoulder any of the cost burden involved in disposing of rubble from the earthquake disaster. I have high expectations for this becoming a powerful step forward towards progress in reconstruction.
Meanwhile, within the preparations for the reform of our nuclear energy administration, yesterday a Cabinet Decision was taken on the basic polices for the establishment of a 'Nuclear Safety and Security Agency.' Through the ongoing efforts of Minister for the Restoration from and Prevention of Nuclear Accidents Goshi Hosono, the work to create a framework has moved forward rapidly.
While it goes without saying, the urgent issue that exists in parallel with these efforts is countermeasures to address the contamination at hand resulting from radioactive materials. While we are intensively engaged in countermeasures together with the local authorities, the large-scale contamination associated with the nuclear accident is something our nation is experiencing for the first time, and experts hold a diverse range of opinions on the matter. I am also hearing grave concern being voiced by the public, especially those with small children.
In light of this, I, together with the relevant ministers and vice-ministers, took time once again yesterday to listen carefully to seven experts in total, over roughly three hours. The first of these was Professor Tatsuhiko Kodama, Director of the Radioisotope Center of the University of Tokyo, who has also given testimony at the National Diet as an unsworn witness. After that, we heard from six experts on nuclear disasters who have been advising the Cabinet thus far. All of these experts have an abundance of experience, including in field research at Chernobyl. On the government side as well, among other things Senior Vice Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Takashi Shinohara made remarks based on the knowledge he obtained through his visit to Chernobyl in April. In this way these came to be very concrete and in-depth discussions.
I myself asked quite a number of questions. Among the opinions of the experts, there were views that all of them held in common but perhaps not surprisingly also points where their views diverged. I felt that in order for the public to have a common understanding of this issue, it will be necessary to hold further discussions utilizing an open format.
Insofar as contamination from radioactive materials is an issue that impacts upon all aspects of our daily lives, the government must determine in an integrated manner the overall picture of the contamination, safety standards, and so on, and then formulate a strategy, including legislation, which cuts across the various ministries and agencies. Rather than wait for the next administration to get on track in this area, I too will be assiduously engaged in addressing this issue to the extent possible immediately prior to my resignation.
"Ready to carry out my responsibilities"
Today marks the 66th anniversary since the end of the Second World War. At the press conference held one month after the earthquake disaster struck, I appealed to the Japanese people, saying, "The world has marveled at how those in the generation before mine were able to rebuild Japan from fields of ashes after the war. Let us once again recall the spirit of reconstruction we felt then, reflect upon it, and re-channel it for our reconstruction work now." Now, as we commemorate the events of August 15, I reaffirm those reflections.
Recovery and reconstruction from that earthquake disaster is moving ahead steadily. On June 2, I declared at the meeting of DPJ Diet members that "I wish to pass on various responsibilities to the younger generation once a certain degree of progress has been made in tackling the earthquake disaster and once I have fulfilled my role to a certain extent." The agreement made last week among the executives of the three parties of the DPJ, the LDP, and the New Komeito brought confirmation that the Bill on Special Provisions concerning Issuance of Government Bonds would be passed. After that, passage of the Bill to Promote Renewable Energies also became expected. In light of these circumstances, I clarified that I will carry out the promise I have made since June and hand over the reins of government once those bills, which have been my aims, are passed.
In the areas I have been pursuing at all costs - compiling a reform proposal to address social security and tax issues as an integrated issue, recovery and reconstruction from the great earthquake disaster and bringing the nuclear accident to a stable conclusion, and bringing fundamental reform to our nuclear energy administration, among others - we have successfully advanced to a point at which reversion to the past is now impossible. However, with a large number of issues still ongoing, including the problem of radioactive contamination, we cannot now gradually slow down our pace. The Kan administration will continue to dedicate itself to fulfilling its responsibilities until the very last second of its term.
Just before and after this past weekend, there was a steady 'step forward' in the reconstruction from the earthquake disaster and then regarding the nuclear energy issue. First of all, last Friday, the pending matter of the bill on "Special Measures for the Disposal of Rubble" was passed through the solid efforts of the persons involved. Through this, in combination with allowances received through the tax revenues allocated to local governments, the local authorities in the disaster-afflicted areas for all practical purposes now do not need to shoulder any of the cost burden involved in disposing of rubble from the earthquake disaster. I have high expectations for this becoming a powerful step forward towards progress in reconstruction.
Meanwhile, within the preparations for the reform of our nuclear energy administration, yesterday a Cabinet Decision was taken on the basic polices for the establishment of a 'Nuclear Safety and Security Agency.' Through the ongoing efforts of Minister for the Restoration from and Prevention of Nuclear Accidents Goshi Hosono, the work to create a framework has moved forward rapidly.
While it goes without saying, the urgent issue that exists in parallel with these efforts is countermeasures to address the contamination at hand resulting from radioactive materials. While we are intensively engaged in countermeasures together with the local authorities, the large-scale contamination associated with the nuclear accident is something our nation is experiencing for the first time, and experts hold a diverse range of opinions on the matter. I am also hearing grave concern being voiced by the public, especially those with small children.
In light of this, I, together with the relevant ministers and vice-ministers, took time once again yesterday to listen carefully to seven experts in total, over roughly three hours. The first of these was Professor Tatsuhiko Kodama, Director of the Radioisotope Center of the University of Tokyo, who has also given testimony at the National Diet as an unsworn witness. After that, we heard from six experts on nuclear disasters who have been advising the Cabinet thus far. All of these experts have an abundance of experience, including in field research at Chernobyl. On the government side as well, among other things Senior Vice Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Takashi Shinohara made remarks based on the knowledge he obtained through his visit to Chernobyl in April. In this way these came to be very concrete and in-depth discussions.
I myself asked quite a number of questions. Among the opinions of the experts, there were views that all of them held in common but perhaps not surprisingly also points where their views diverged. I felt that in order for the public to have a common understanding of this issue, it will be necessary to hold further discussions utilizing an open format.
Insofar as contamination from radioactive materials is an issue that impacts upon all aspects of our daily lives, the government must determine in an integrated manner the overall picture of the contamination, safety standards, and so on, and then formulate a strategy, including legislation, which cuts across the various ministries and agencies. Rather than wait for the next administration to get on track in this area, I too will be assiduously engaged in addressing this issue to the extent possible immediately prior to my resignation.
"Ready to carry out my responsibilities"
Today marks the 66th anniversary since the end of the Second World War. At the press conference held one month after the earthquake disaster struck, I appealed to the Japanese people, saying, "The world has marveled at how those in the generation before mine were able to rebuild Japan from fields of ashes after the war. Let us once again recall the spirit of reconstruction we felt then, reflect upon it, and re-channel it for our reconstruction work now." Now, as we commemorate the events of August 15, I reaffirm those reflections.
Recovery and reconstruction from that earthquake disaster is moving ahead steadily. On June 2, I declared at the meeting of DPJ Diet members that "I wish to pass on various responsibilities to the younger generation once a certain degree of progress has been made in tackling the earthquake disaster and once I have fulfilled my role to a certain extent." The agreement made last week among the executives of the three parties of the DPJ, the LDP, and the New Komeito brought confirmation that the Bill on Special Provisions concerning Issuance of Government Bonds would be passed. After that, passage of the Bill to Promote Renewable Energies also became expected. In light of these circumstances, I clarified that I will carry out the promise I have made since June and hand over the reins of government once those bills, which have been my aims, are passed.
In the areas I have been pursuing at all costs - compiling a reform proposal to address social security and tax issues as an integrated issue, recovery and reconstruction from the great earthquake disaster and bringing the nuclear accident to a stable conclusion, and bringing fundamental reform to our nuclear energy administration, among others - we have successfully advanced to a point at which reversion to the past is now impossible. However, with a large number of issues still ongoing, including the problem of radioactive contamination, we cannot now gradually slow down our pace. The Kan administration will continue to dedicate itself to fulfilling its responsibilities until the very last second of its term.
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (August 20, 2011)
"No. 26 [Peace] Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons Report on Their First Year Activities to the Prime Minister in Hiroshima and Nagasaki"
--- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony (August 6)
Announcement: It will be 8:15 shortly. ...We would now like to offer one minute of silence.
The Peace Bell was rung at 8:15 a.m., the time that the atomic bomb was dropped
The Prime Minister offers a silent prayer
Address:
Prime Minister: At last year's ceremony I proposed that Japan dispatch "Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons." [They have since been] calling attention to the tragedy of nuclear weapons and appealing the importance of peace at various locations throughout the world.
Narration: So far thirty-five Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons (as of August 8, 2011) have been commissioned by the Government to pass on their experiences in atomic bombings to the world.
From Prime Minister KAN's TV No. 14-Mr. Susumu Tsuboi, embarking on "Hibakusha's Global Voyage for Communication"
Mr. Tsuboi: My house was located in a place of the current Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Everyone who was in the town at that time passed away.
Narration: One year after the establishment of the system, Mr. Tsuboi was present for the first gatherings of Special Communicators, held recently in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
At the meeting in Hiroshima on August 6
Mr. Tsuboi: We spoke 14 times in 13 ports. In Columbia in particular, we received a warm welcome from President Juan Manuel Santos, and the venues were completely full of people eager to listen to our stories.
Narration: One Special Communicator, Mr. Masaaki Tanabe, handed a self-produced DVD to the Prime Minister at one of the meetings. Featuring CG reenactments of the area around the center of the explosion just before the atomic bomb dropped, the DVD calls on the world to think about just what was lost through the use of a nuclear weapon.
As a boy, Mr. Tanabe used to live in a home adjacent to the place now called the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Mr. Tanabe: While it is quite difficult to raise awareness or appeal to a broad range of people as just one citizen who experienced the atomic bomb, with support from the national government [as Special Communicator] we received extensive coverage by local media.
Again, from Prime Minister KAN's TV No. 14-Ms. Hiroko Sakaguchi, the first member of the second generation of atomic bomb victims to be commissioned as Special Communicator
Ms. Sakaguchi: The second generation of atomic bomb victims is affected through their parents' body by the after-effects of radiation of the bombings. As such, we have no less strong feelings about the bombings than direct survivors.
Narration: These are the words of Ms. Sakaguchi from the day she embarked on "Hibakusha's Global Voyage for Communication." Having traveled around the world, she spoke at the meeting in Nagasaki about a new conviction that was developed over the course of the trip.
At the meeting in Nagasaki on August 9
Ms. Sakaguchi: I believe the role of second-generation atomic bomb victims will increase in importance going forward in terms of passing on the experiences of atomic bombings.
Prime Minister: I ask for your continued support in passing on the experiences of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in order that we may realize a world free of the devastation of nuclear weapons for hundreds or even thousands of years after Nagasaki.
Scenes of the overseas activities of the Special Communicators
Narration: The Special Communicators have so far visited a total of 22 countries (as of August 8, 2011). They felt a certain change in the audience responses after March 11.
Special Communicators speaking about that change at the meeting
Mr. Noboru Tazaki: We received the question, "Even though Japan, having suffered atomic bombings, knows the horrors of radiation ..."
Mr. Tsuboi: We received such questions as, "...why do you have so many nuclear power stations?"
Ms. Sakaguchi: Hearing how strange they felt about this, our hearts were profoundly touched.
Narration: Special Communicators were moved by the attention shown by people abroad toward another harm of radiation that hit Japan.
--- Nagasaki Peace Ceremony (August 9)
Address:
Prime Minister: It is our responsibility to take the new lessons, realizations, and what we have learned from this incident and communicate those to the people of the world and future generations.
At 11:02 a.m., when the atomic bomb was dropped
Announcement: We would now like to offer one minute of silence.
The Prime Minister offering a silent prayer
The Bell of Nagasaki, ringing
--- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony (August 6)
Announcement: It will be 8:15 shortly. ...We would now like to offer one minute of silence.
The Peace Bell was rung at 8:15 a.m., the time that the atomic bomb was dropped
The Prime Minister offers a silent prayer
Address:
Prime Minister: At last year's ceremony I proposed that Japan dispatch "Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons." [They have since been] calling attention to the tragedy of nuclear weapons and appealing the importance of peace at various locations throughout the world.
Narration: So far thirty-five Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons (as of August 8, 2011) have been commissioned by the Government to pass on their experiences in atomic bombings to the world.
From Prime Minister KAN's TV No. 14-Mr. Susumu Tsuboi, embarking on "Hibakusha's Global Voyage for Communication"
Mr. Tsuboi: My house was located in a place of the current Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Everyone who was in the town at that time passed away.
Narration: One year after the establishment of the system, Mr. Tsuboi was present for the first gatherings of Special Communicators, held recently in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
At the meeting in Hiroshima on August 6
Mr. Tsuboi: We spoke 14 times in 13 ports. In Columbia in particular, we received a warm welcome from President Juan Manuel Santos, and the venues were completely full of people eager to listen to our stories.
Narration: One Special Communicator, Mr. Masaaki Tanabe, handed a self-produced DVD to the Prime Minister at one of the meetings. Featuring CG reenactments of the area around the center of the explosion just before the atomic bomb dropped, the DVD calls on the world to think about just what was lost through the use of a nuclear weapon.
As a boy, Mr. Tanabe used to live in a home adjacent to the place now called the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Mr. Tanabe: While it is quite difficult to raise awareness or appeal to a broad range of people as just one citizen who experienced the atomic bomb, with support from the national government [as Special Communicator] we received extensive coverage by local media.
Again, from Prime Minister KAN's TV No. 14-Ms. Hiroko Sakaguchi, the first member of the second generation of atomic bomb victims to be commissioned as Special Communicator
Ms. Sakaguchi: The second generation of atomic bomb victims is affected through their parents' body by the after-effects of radiation of the bombings. As such, we have no less strong feelings about the bombings than direct survivors.
Narration: These are the words of Ms. Sakaguchi from the day she embarked on "Hibakusha's Global Voyage for Communication." Having traveled around the world, she spoke at the meeting in Nagasaki about a new conviction that was developed over the course of the trip.
At the meeting in Nagasaki on August 9
Ms. Sakaguchi: I believe the role of second-generation atomic bomb victims will increase in importance going forward in terms of passing on the experiences of atomic bombings.
Prime Minister: I ask for your continued support in passing on the experiences of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in order that we may realize a world free of the devastation of nuclear weapons for hundreds or even thousands of years after Nagasaki.
Scenes of the overseas activities of the Special Communicators
Narration: The Special Communicators have so far visited a total of 22 countries (as of August 8, 2011). They felt a certain change in the audience responses after March 11.
Special Communicators speaking about that change at the meeting
Mr. Noboru Tazaki: We received the question, "Even though Japan, having suffered atomic bombings, knows the horrors of radiation ..."
Mr. Tsuboi: We received such questions as, "...why do you have so many nuclear power stations?"
Ms. Sakaguchi: Hearing how strange they felt about this, our hearts were profoundly touched.
Narration: Special Communicators were moved by the attention shown by people abroad toward another harm of radiation that hit Japan.
--- Nagasaki Peace Ceremony (August 9)
Address:
Prime Minister: It is our responsibility to take the new lessons, realizations, and what we have learned from this incident and communicate those to the people of the world and future generations.
At 11:02 a.m., when the atomic bomb was dropped
Announcement: We would now like to offer one minute of silence.
The Prime Minister offering a silent prayer
The Bell of Nagasaki, ringing
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (August 19, 2011)
"Five months since the earthquake disaster - towards a society in which no one is isolated"
Yesterday marked the fifth month since the great earthquake disaster struck. Even as we are moving forward with efforts towards recovery and reconstruction day in and day out, there is a matter about which I feel we must be especially concerned. That is keeping alert for people whose 'bonds between one person and another' came to be cut off as a result of the earthquake disaster and are now experiencing isolation from others.
How should we involve people in society who are living in isolation? 'Social inclusion' is one of the major themes that I have set forth since before the earthquake disaster struck, beginning with the policy speech to the Diet I delivered immediately after becoming Prime Minister. It was just the day before yesterday that the Task Force Team for a Society Inclusive of Individuals that I had commissioned announced their urgent policy proposals.
During New Year's day the year before last, I was at the "dispatch workers' New Year's village" in Hibiya Park. It was Mr. Makoto Yuasa as the "village chief" who was involving himself in poverty issues with everything he had. At around the same time, I came to get to know Mr. Yasuyuki Shimizu, head of the NPO "Lifelink," which has for many years been taking on the issue of suicide full on. It is only through the real-life expeiences of people taking this kind of hands-on approach, rather than through academic discussions, that one comes to find the way out of the isolation problem. It was with this belief that I asked these two to serve as the backbone of the Task Force Team. With Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Tetsuro Fukuyama serving as Chair, this Task Force Team emerged with these recommendations through roughly seven months of deliberations and repeated visits to the disaster-struck areas, among other efforts.
How does the risk of individuals being excluded from society spread within our society, and what sort of linkages exist? First of all we must conduct a thorough fact-finding survey on those matters, examining them squarely.
Of course, various support systems have been in place until now, but if we look carefully at the actual situation, it is not the case that all people are covered seamlessly. For example, there are young people who drop out of high school and have no place where they belong. If opportunities were provided for someone to reach out to them and talk with them, then new developments might begin in their lives. We will set the lead in creating a personal support system for each such person individually, first by exploring model cases.
Furthermore, what I brought up when I attended the first meeting of this Task Force Team was the establishment of a national call center. This would be a "one-stop" center that would conduct consultations by telephone, listen to people's worries, provide concern, and then conduct follow-up activities. I had the Team take up a deeper consideration of this as steps towards bringing such an undertaking into reality.
While these recommendations are not operations in which a huge budget is mobilized, they are quite "major" undertakings in light of their importance. I am very pleased that they compiled their findings during my term as Prime Minister. Notably, within our future work to bring about reconstruction, I would like them to substantiate a model of "social inclusion" within the disaster- affected areas in particular. Providing a solid budget for this in the third supplementary budget, I would like them to foster the "buds" of building up such a society. This is my fervent wish as we work to bring about a society in which no one is excluded
Yesterday marked the fifth month since the great earthquake disaster struck. Even as we are moving forward with efforts towards recovery and reconstruction day in and day out, there is a matter about which I feel we must be especially concerned. That is keeping alert for people whose 'bonds between one person and another' came to be cut off as a result of the earthquake disaster and are now experiencing isolation from others.
How should we involve people in society who are living in isolation? 'Social inclusion' is one of the major themes that I have set forth since before the earthquake disaster struck, beginning with the policy speech to the Diet I delivered immediately after becoming Prime Minister. It was just the day before yesterday that the Task Force Team for a Society Inclusive of Individuals that I had commissioned announced their urgent policy proposals.
During New Year's day the year before last, I was at the "dispatch workers' New Year's village" in Hibiya Park. It was Mr. Makoto Yuasa as the "village chief" who was involving himself in poverty issues with everything he had. At around the same time, I came to get to know Mr. Yasuyuki Shimizu, head of the NPO "Lifelink," which has for many years been taking on the issue of suicide full on. It is only through the real-life expeiences of people taking this kind of hands-on approach, rather than through academic discussions, that one comes to find the way out of the isolation problem. It was with this belief that I asked these two to serve as the backbone of the Task Force Team. With Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Tetsuro Fukuyama serving as Chair, this Task Force Team emerged with these recommendations through roughly seven months of deliberations and repeated visits to the disaster-struck areas, among other efforts.
How does the risk of individuals being excluded from society spread within our society, and what sort of linkages exist? First of all we must conduct a thorough fact-finding survey on those matters, examining them squarely.
Of course, various support systems have been in place until now, but if we look carefully at the actual situation, it is not the case that all people are covered seamlessly. For example, there are young people who drop out of high school and have no place where they belong. If opportunities were provided for someone to reach out to them and talk with them, then new developments might begin in their lives. We will set the lead in creating a personal support system for each such person individually, first by exploring model cases.
Furthermore, what I brought up when I attended the first meeting of this Task Force Team was the establishment of a national call center. This would be a "one-stop" center that would conduct consultations by telephone, listen to people's worries, provide concern, and then conduct follow-up activities. I had the Team take up a deeper consideration of this as steps towards bringing such an undertaking into reality.
While these recommendations are not operations in which a huge budget is mobilized, they are quite "major" undertakings in light of their importance. I am very pleased that they compiled their findings during my term as Prime Minister. Notably, within our future work to bring about reconstruction, I would like them to substantiate a model of "social inclusion" within the disaster- affected areas in particular. Providing a solid budget for this in the third supplementary budget, I would like them to foster the "buds" of building up such a society. This is my fervent wish as we work to bring about a society in which no one is excluded
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (August 16, 2011)
"Replacing both people and structures to ensure no backsliding"
On the 6th and today (the 9th), I visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki for the 66th anniversary of the atomic bombings. In each of these cities I had the opportunity to listen to atomic bomb survivors and those serving as Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons, whom the government began commissioning last year. (I will be writing about that subject on a separate occasion.) At these sessions, a number of people conveyed their worries about the TEPCO's Fukushima nuclear power plant accident and their fervent wishes that Japan move away from being a society that relies on nuclear power, leaving a great impression on me.
In the addresses I delivered at the Peace Memorial Ceremonies, I myself asserted once more the objective of becoming 'a society that is not dependent on nuclear power,' which I first laid out at a press conference on July 13. However, I was not simply repeating what I said earlier. Compared with July 13, currently the practical matters that will constitute the backing to that statement are moving forward steadily. It is just now that the 'reforms to administrative structures' designed to further this objective have started up in tangible form.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Banri Kaieda and Minister for the Restoration from and Prevention of Nuclear Accident Goshi Hosono, have been tenaciously engaged in tandem in efforts towards fundamentally breaking away from the system in place until now, like the two axles of a car. First of all, Minister Kaieda, having intended to realize complete change in public sentiment with regard to nuclear power-related matters under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), announced last week that he would be replacing the current administrative vice-minister, the Director-General of the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) and the Director-General of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) simultaneously. I want the ministers to move forward proactively taking this attitude in order to regain the trust of the public.
Meanwhile, last weekend, Minister Hosono compiled a draft proposal for reorganization, targeting at the modalities of a new structure related to the regulation of nuclear safety. The matter of affiliating the new structure with the Cabinet Office or the Ministry of the Environment still remains, but the key point is that through this, the sections of NISA regulating nuclear safety will finally be separated off from METI. The structure in which 'those promoting and regulating nuclear power are both parts of the same entity,' which I have considered a problem for quite some time, will thereby be resolved.
What must be given the highest priority at all times is 'the safety of the people.' However, it has also long been said that the nuclear and electrical power administration in place until now is a "nuclear village," in which it is possible for a subset of entrenched interests and corporate interests to take precedence at times. By replacing both the content (the people) and the instrument (the structure), we will not permit any slide backwards.
On the 6th and today (the 9th), I visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki for the 66th anniversary of the atomic bombings. In each of these cities I had the opportunity to listen to atomic bomb survivors and those serving as Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons, whom the government began commissioning last year. (I will be writing about that subject on a separate occasion.) At these sessions, a number of people conveyed their worries about the TEPCO's Fukushima nuclear power plant accident and their fervent wishes that Japan move away from being a society that relies on nuclear power, leaving a great impression on me.
In the addresses I delivered at the Peace Memorial Ceremonies, I myself asserted once more the objective of becoming 'a society that is not dependent on nuclear power,' which I first laid out at a press conference on July 13. However, I was not simply repeating what I said earlier. Compared with July 13, currently the practical matters that will constitute the backing to that statement are moving forward steadily. It is just now that the 'reforms to administrative structures' designed to further this objective have started up in tangible form.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Banri Kaieda and Minister for the Restoration from and Prevention of Nuclear Accident Goshi Hosono, have been tenaciously engaged in tandem in efforts towards fundamentally breaking away from the system in place until now, like the two axles of a car. First of all, Minister Kaieda, having intended to realize complete change in public sentiment with regard to nuclear power-related matters under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), announced last week that he would be replacing the current administrative vice-minister, the Director-General of the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) and the Director-General of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) simultaneously. I want the ministers to move forward proactively taking this attitude in order to regain the trust of the public.
Meanwhile, last weekend, Minister Hosono compiled a draft proposal for reorganization, targeting at the modalities of a new structure related to the regulation of nuclear safety. The matter of affiliating the new structure with the Cabinet Office or the Ministry of the Environment still remains, but the key point is that through this, the sections of NISA regulating nuclear safety will finally be separated off from METI. The structure in which 'those promoting and regulating nuclear power are both parts of the same entity,' which I have considered a problem for quite some time, will thereby be resolved.
What must be given the highest priority at all times is 'the safety of the people.' However, it has also long been said that the nuclear and electrical power administration in place until now is a "nuclear village," in which it is possible for a subset of entrenched interests and corporate interests to take precedence at times. By replacing both the content (the people) and the instrument (the structure), we will not permit any slide backwards.
segunda-feira, 8 de agosto de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (August 5, 2011)
""The next era" (7): The participation of 'the people' will decide our future course"
"Please read this! Recommendations from the Reconstruction Design Council in Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake"
""The next era" (7): The participation of 'the people' will decide our future course"
I have just attended the first session of the "The People's Energy and Environment Council," which was held in the city of Chino, Nagano Prefecture today. While this meeting shares the same name as the "government's" "Energy and Environment Council" that met the day before yesterday, this "people's" meeting enjoyed the participation of a wide variety of persons ranging from researchers to heads of local municipalities to politicians, among others. Three of the four experts participating in the "Prime Minister-Experts Open Forum on Natural Energy" that was convened at the Prime Minister's Office last month are cited as the original promoters of this "People's" Council, with very thorough discussions taking place in a large lecture hall at a university.
I delivered a ten-minute address, during which I discussed such topics as:
- the fact that my fundamental approach to nuclear power changed after experiencing the March 11 TEPCO nuclear accident in Fukushima;
- the fact that under the government's "Energy and Environment Council," there has been an "interim report" oriented towards reducing the degree of dependence on nuclear power, and that finally a first step has been taken towards forming a policy in concrete terms that is congruent with my thinking; and
- the necessity of fundamental reform of our nuclear energy administration.
I stated that in particular, fundamental reform is necessary insofar as the current Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) within the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is constituted in a way that it is possible for the interests of corporations to be given priority at times over the safety of the citizens, just as the Pharmaceutical Bureau of the Ministry of Health and Welfare at the time of the problem of AIDS contracted through contaminated blood products.
From a standpoint free of constraints from the past, moving forward with fundamental reforms to nuclear and electrical power administration will require thoroughgoing information disclosure as well as strict scrutiny conducted by 'each individual' citizen. Moreover, for a transformation of Japan's energy structure, it is in fact critical to have participation in electricity generation and electricity conservation by 'each individual' household. Just as the name of today's Council meeting says, what will determine the form of the energy of the next era is nothing other than the power of "the people". Let's make headway on this together
"Please read this! Recommendations from the Reconstruction Design Council in Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake"
""The next era" (7): The participation of 'the people' will decide our future course"
I have just attended the first session of the "The People's Energy and Environment Council," which was held in the city of Chino, Nagano Prefecture today. While this meeting shares the same name as the "government's" "Energy and Environment Council" that met the day before yesterday, this "people's" meeting enjoyed the participation of a wide variety of persons ranging from researchers to heads of local municipalities to politicians, among others. Three of the four experts participating in the "Prime Minister-Experts Open Forum on Natural Energy" that was convened at the Prime Minister's Office last month are cited as the original promoters of this "People's" Council, with very thorough discussions taking place in a large lecture hall at a university.
I delivered a ten-minute address, during which I discussed such topics as:
- the fact that my fundamental approach to nuclear power changed after experiencing the March 11 TEPCO nuclear accident in Fukushima;
- the fact that under the government's "Energy and Environment Council," there has been an "interim report" oriented towards reducing the degree of dependence on nuclear power, and that finally a first step has been taken towards forming a policy in concrete terms that is congruent with my thinking; and
- the necessity of fundamental reform of our nuclear energy administration.
I stated that in particular, fundamental reform is necessary insofar as the current Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) within the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is constituted in a way that it is possible for the interests of corporations to be given priority at times over the safety of the citizens, just as the Pharmaceutical Bureau of the Ministry of Health and Welfare at the time of the problem of AIDS contracted through contaminated blood products.
From a standpoint free of constraints from the past, moving forward with fundamental reforms to nuclear and electrical power administration will require thoroughgoing information disclosure as well as strict scrutiny conducted by 'each individual' citizen. Moreover, for a transformation of Japan's energy structure, it is in fact critical to have participation in electricity generation and electricity conservation by 'each individual' household. Just as the name of today's Council meeting says, what will determine the form of the energy of the next era is nothing other than the power of "the people". Let's make headway on this together
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (July 28, 2011)
"No. 25 [Nuclear Power] Moving on to Step 2 - Prime Minister's Dialogue with the People Engaged in the Work to Stabilize the Nuclear Power Station"
"The second supplementary budget and the Basic Policy for Reconstruction"
"The key question: Who exactly will check the safety?"
"No. 25 [Nuclear Power] Moving on to Step 2 - Prime Minister's Dialogue with the People Engaged in the Work to Stabilize the Nuclear Power Station"
--- At J-Village, where the people engaged in the work to stabilize TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station are stationed (July 16)
The Prime Minister encourages the members of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF)
Prime Minister: I believe that we have come so far thanks to your self-sacrificing sprit and efforts.
--- 17th meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters (July 19)
Prime Minister: I convened the meeting in this form as we have just completed Step 1.
Narration: The Roadmap towards Restoration from the Accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is updated once a month.Every month the mark that shows current progress has moved steadily to the right, and on July 17 the conclusion of Step 1 was finally reached. This means that the "stable cooling" of the reactors has been achieved.
Narration: People working at the site are risking their lives to realize the plans in the Roadmap. These people are stationed in the facility called J-Village, where the Prime Minister has already visited twice to provide his encouragement. The first visit was three weeks after the occurrence of the incident.
--- First visit to J-Village (April 2)
SDF member A: There are three tents. Each used for decontamination.
Prime Minister: There is one lane for the SDF and for TEPCO...
SDF member B: Two lanes. They are extremely advanced decontamination facilities.
Hearing an explanation about an internet teleconference
TEPCO staff: It is currently connected to eight other locations. We leave it on all the time. We gather there even at night whenever something happens.
The system is connected to TEPCO head office, Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Fukushima Prefectural Office, etc., all the time; the TV monitors display each location
The Prime Minister sends his message to each location
Prime Minister: Thank you truly for your hard work. In order to bring the nuclear power station under control by all means...
Narration: Three months after giving these words of encouragement...
--- 17th meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters
(July 19)
Prime Minister: "Things have progressed this far with regard to Step 1 thanks above all to the people working really hard at the site. I visited the site myself last Saturday (on July 16) for the second time and I think their efforts are truly remarkable."
--- Second visit to J-Village (July 16)
Giving words of encouragement to the SDF members
Prime Minister: I am looking forward to seeing you deliver results and be acknowledged for rebuilding Japan stronger than ever and for engaging on the frontlines of this struggle.
Narration: There the Prime Minister also met for the second time with Mr. Masao Yoshida, General Manager of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, who has been at the forefront of the work to stabilize the nuclear power station since March 11. During the meeting...
General Manager Yoshida: Oh, an earthquake! This is what frightens us.
Prime Minister: Aftershocks are frightening.
Narration: On top of aftershocks, there is now another phenomenon that impedes the work...
General Manager Yoshida: In this heat, since as many as 3,000 people are working at the site even today, precautions must be taken against heat stroke and injuries.
Narration: People working at the site also appealed directly to the Prime Minister.
Medical staff: The protective suit is really stifling. Even when it is cool like in this room, you will be drenched in sweat the moment you start moving around in it.
Person 1 working at the site: Now everyone starts working early, before it gets hot. Most of us come to work at four in the morning.
Person 2 working at the site: It takes quite a lot of time to go and have a radiation check, and there are so many people...
Person 1 working at the site: It would be very helpful if something like a health check center could be established around here.
Prime Minister: The Government will do all it can to respond to the situation. Thank you for your continued cooperation.
After face-to-face talks, the Prime Minister stands up and shakes hands with the people working at the site
Narration: From now on, the people at the site are moving on to the next target - Step 2.
They will step up efforts to prevent the spread of radiation damage and aim to achieve a stable condition in the nuclear reactors known as "cold shutdown" within the next three to six months. The all-out efforts will continue.
"The second supplementary budget and the Basic Policy for Reconstruction"
Yesterday, the second supplementary budget was passed by the Diet. The Cabinet is pressing ahead steadily in handling the work that needs to be done. The two major undertakings of "recovery and reconstruction from the earthquake disaster" and "bringing the accident at the nuclear power plant under stable control" are moving forward without interruption.
Continuing with this, today, the Reconstruction Headquarters in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake deepened its discussions on the Basic Policy for Reconstruction regarding the scale of the projects as well as the framework for fiscal outlays. We will compile the Basic Policy within July and finally link it to discussions on the third supplementary budget for full-fledged reconstruction. While some criticize this as "late," if you view this with a non-emotional eye, since the earthquake disaster struck in March, work has been progressing steadily, with the first and second supplementary budgets passed in sequence, and next, the Basic Policy, which will serve as the basis for the third supplementary budget, to be decided shortly.
As Ms. Kiyomi Tsujimoto, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, often says, it is not simply the reconstruction of society's "hardware" buildings and so on that requires budget allocations and policy measures. We will also be engaged in "reconstruction of the heart" for each individual affected by the disaster and "reconstruction of kizuna (bonds among people)" that have been disrupted in society. Not politics, but policies. Now, the most important thing is to keep the people who have been affected by the disaster firmly in mind and dedicate all our energies to this situation.
"The key question: Who exactly will check the safety?"
Yesterday, the structure for checking the safety of nuclear power plants moved forward considerably in concrete terms. I received a report that the method and the implementation plan for the comprehensive safety assessments (the so-called "stress tests") have been formulated by the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA).
With regard to the current matter, a great amount of inconvenience has been given to the people concerned, in that "the Prime Minister's instructions regarding the necessity of conducting stress tests were slow in coming." However, the essence of the matter lies in the issue of "whether or not it is acceptable to have only NISA - which is affiliated with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which has been promoting nuclear power plants - decide the safety standards related to the resumption of nuclear plant operations and on its own pass judgments on adequate achievement of those standards." While I regret the confusion regarding the arrangements, the issue of the structure is a more important matter.
In the near future, it will be necessary to undertake a fundamental review of safety standards and the system, but until that time we cannot sit idly by. For the immediate term, we must move forward on the actual safety checks through the involvement of the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC), an independent entity, in addition to NISA.
As a point of fact, the succession of events leading up to yesterday's decision on the implementation plan has been "(1) Receipt of request from NSC (July 6), (2) Submission of a draft plan by NISA, (3) Instructions from NSC to strengthen the draft plan, (4) Revisions by NISA, (5) NSC confirms the draft plan as appropriate (yesterday)." While it has not been widely reported, the core matter regarding the issue of "whether or not it is acceptable for NISA to decide matters by itself" will in fact be cleared without waiting for changes to the system.
In addition, publicly disclosing the safety standards in advance has enabled us to take advantage of checks by a wide range of expert eyes. The next step is to explain this safety assessment implementation plan to the local governments, and after that, the electrical power providers will be instructed to implement the plan.
As for the results of the assessments, which will require one or two months, upon receiving reporting from the electrical power providers, procedures will be followed whereby first NISA, and subsequently here again the NSC, will confirm adequacy in meeting the standards. Upon receiving the judgment of experts from these multiple institutions, four Cabinet members, including myself, will consult, and after hearing the views of the local community, a final decision will be taken.
While this is a cumbersome process, these procedures are necessary for the safety and the peace of mind of the Japanese people.
"The second supplementary budget and the Basic Policy for Reconstruction"
"The key question: Who exactly will check the safety?"
"No. 25 [Nuclear Power] Moving on to Step 2 - Prime Minister's Dialogue with the People Engaged in the Work to Stabilize the Nuclear Power Station"
--- At J-Village, where the people engaged in the work to stabilize TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station are stationed (July 16)
The Prime Minister encourages the members of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF)
Prime Minister: I believe that we have come so far thanks to your self-sacrificing sprit and efforts.
--- 17th meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters (July 19)
Prime Minister: I convened the meeting in this form as we have just completed Step 1.
Narration: The Roadmap towards Restoration from the Accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is updated once a month.Every month the mark that shows current progress has moved steadily to the right, and on July 17 the conclusion of Step 1 was finally reached. This means that the "stable cooling" of the reactors has been achieved.
Narration: People working at the site are risking their lives to realize the plans in the Roadmap. These people are stationed in the facility called J-Village, where the Prime Minister has already visited twice to provide his encouragement. The first visit was three weeks after the occurrence of the incident.
--- First visit to J-Village (April 2)
SDF member A: There are three tents. Each used for decontamination.
Prime Minister: There is one lane for the SDF and for TEPCO...
SDF member B: Two lanes. They are extremely advanced decontamination facilities.
Hearing an explanation about an internet teleconference
TEPCO staff: It is currently connected to eight other locations. We leave it on all the time. We gather there even at night whenever something happens.
The system is connected to TEPCO head office, Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Fukushima Prefectural Office, etc., all the time; the TV monitors display each location
The Prime Minister sends his message to each location
Prime Minister: Thank you truly for your hard work. In order to bring the nuclear power station under control by all means...
Narration: Three months after giving these words of encouragement...
--- 17th meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters
(July 19)
Prime Minister: "Things have progressed this far with regard to Step 1 thanks above all to the people working really hard at the site. I visited the site myself last Saturday (on July 16) for the second time and I think their efforts are truly remarkable."
--- Second visit to J-Village (July 16)
Giving words of encouragement to the SDF members
Prime Minister: I am looking forward to seeing you deliver results and be acknowledged for rebuilding Japan stronger than ever and for engaging on the frontlines of this struggle.
Narration: There the Prime Minister also met for the second time with Mr. Masao Yoshida, General Manager of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, who has been at the forefront of the work to stabilize the nuclear power station since March 11. During the meeting...
General Manager Yoshida: Oh, an earthquake! This is what frightens us.
Prime Minister: Aftershocks are frightening.
Narration: On top of aftershocks, there is now another phenomenon that impedes the work...
General Manager Yoshida: In this heat, since as many as 3,000 people are working at the site even today, precautions must be taken against heat stroke and injuries.
Narration: People working at the site also appealed directly to the Prime Minister.
Medical staff: The protective suit is really stifling. Even when it is cool like in this room, you will be drenched in sweat the moment you start moving around in it.
Person 1 working at the site: Now everyone starts working early, before it gets hot. Most of us come to work at four in the morning.
Person 2 working at the site: It takes quite a lot of time to go and have a radiation check, and there are so many people...
Person 1 working at the site: It would be very helpful if something like a health check center could be established around here.
Prime Minister: The Government will do all it can to respond to the situation. Thank you for your continued cooperation.
After face-to-face talks, the Prime Minister stands up and shakes hands with the people working at the site
Narration: From now on, the people at the site are moving on to the next target - Step 2.
They will step up efforts to prevent the spread of radiation damage and aim to achieve a stable condition in the nuclear reactors known as "cold shutdown" within the next three to six months. The all-out efforts will continue.
"The second supplementary budget and the Basic Policy for Reconstruction"
Yesterday, the second supplementary budget was passed by the Diet. The Cabinet is pressing ahead steadily in handling the work that needs to be done. The two major undertakings of "recovery and reconstruction from the earthquake disaster" and "bringing the accident at the nuclear power plant under stable control" are moving forward without interruption.
Continuing with this, today, the Reconstruction Headquarters in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake deepened its discussions on the Basic Policy for Reconstruction regarding the scale of the projects as well as the framework for fiscal outlays. We will compile the Basic Policy within July and finally link it to discussions on the third supplementary budget for full-fledged reconstruction. While some criticize this as "late," if you view this with a non-emotional eye, since the earthquake disaster struck in March, work has been progressing steadily, with the first and second supplementary budgets passed in sequence, and next, the Basic Policy, which will serve as the basis for the third supplementary budget, to be decided shortly.
As Ms. Kiyomi Tsujimoto, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, often says, it is not simply the reconstruction of society's "hardware" buildings and so on that requires budget allocations and policy measures. We will also be engaged in "reconstruction of the heart" for each individual affected by the disaster and "reconstruction of kizuna (bonds among people)" that have been disrupted in society. Not politics, but policies. Now, the most important thing is to keep the people who have been affected by the disaster firmly in mind and dedicate all our energies to this situation.
"The key question: Who exactly will check the safety?"
Yesterday, the structure for checking the safety of nuclear power plants moved forward considerably in concrete terms. I received a report that the method and the implementation plan for the comprehensive safety assessments (the so-called "stress tests") have been formulated by the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA).
With regard to the current matter, a great amount of inconvenience has been given to the people concerned, in that "the Prime Minister's instructions regarding the necessity of conducting stress tests were slow in coming." However, the essence of the matter lies in the issue of "whether or not it is acceptable to have only NISA - which is affiliated with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which has been promoting nuclear power plants - decide the safety standards related to the resumption of nuclear plant operations and on its own pass judgments on adequate achievement of those standards." While I regret the confusion regarding the arrangements, the issue of the structure is a more important matter.
In the near future, it will be necessary to undertake a fundamental review of safety standards and the system, but until that time we cannot sit idly by. For the immediate term, we must move forward on the actual safety checks through the involvement of the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC), an independent entity, in addition to NISA.
As a point of fact, the succession of events leading up to yesterday's decision on the implementation plan has been "(1) Receipt of request from NSC (July 6), (2) Submission of a draft plan by NISA, (3) Instructions from NSC to strengthen the draft plan, (4) Revisions by NISA, (5) NSC confirms the draft plan as appropriate (yesterday)." While it has not been widely reported, the core matter regarding the issue of "whether or not it is acceptable for NISA to decide matters by itself" will in fact be cleared without waiting for changes to the system.
In addition, publicly disclosing the safety standards in advance has enabled us to take advantage of checks by a wide range of expert eyes. The next step is to explain this safety assessment implementation plan to the local governments, and after that, the electrical power providers will be instructed to implement the plan.
As for the results of the assessments, which will require one or two months, upon receiving reporting from the electrical power providers, procedures will be followed whereby first NISA, and subsequently here again the NSC, will confirm adequacy in meeting the standards. Upon receiving the judgment of experts from these multiple institutions, four Cabinet members, including myself, will consult, and after hearing the views of the local community, a final decision will be taken.
While this is a cumbersome process, these procedures are necessary for the safety and the peace of mind of the Japanese people.
segunda-feira, 25 de julho de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (July 25, 2011)
Looking Squarely at the Future - "Achieving "Step 1" in stabilizing the nuclear accident and the path ahead"
Yesterday, the second supplementary budget bill for the reconstruction of all areas struck by the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster passed the House of Representatives. I hope that this bill is enacted swiftly and that this will assist the people in the disaster areas.
Previous to this, in the late afternoon of the day before (the 19th), I convened a meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters, at which time I received reports from Minister for Nuclear Incident Economic Countermeasures Banri Kaieda and Minister for the Restoration from and Prevention of Nuclear Accidents Goshi Hosono that the "Step 1" objective had been achieved in the Roadmap for bringing the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident under stable control.
It has been a little over four months since the accident occurred. Efforts to bring the situation under control through the national government's collective engagement are moving steadily forward. The nuclear reactor's circulation cooling system, which has been a source of concern due to minor ongoing problems, has begun operating, and the injection of nitrogen into the containment vessel has succeeded in suppressing the risk of a hydrogen explosion by some remote chance. The amount of radiation released into the atmosphere is also estimated at one two-millionth of the amount released immediately after the accident, and thus decreasing with absolute certainty.
Even now, I often think back on the days immediately following the accident. I had a sense of tense urgency regarding what might become of Japan and the sensation of a chill running down my spine. There were many individual decisions that had to be made on a moment's notice regarding one serious aspect arising after another. When I think of the situation at that time, my true feelings are "it's such a relief we got this far," but this has been the result of the dedicated efforts of the several thousand people working at the accident site and the many other persons who have been involved, more than anyone. As I mentioned in my previous blog entry, I have renewed once more my feelings of gratitude, along with my wishes that they continue their efforts safely into the future.
In the "Step 2" that is to come, the government must make concerted efforts even beyond those it has made thus far. In addition, as a result of the distribution of radiation-contaminated beef, a sense of anxiety towards the safety of food has also been spreading. Through suspending shipments and conducting necessary inspections in a thoroughgoing manner, we will keep a watchful eye so that this issue does not fall through the cracks of the compartmentalized areas of administration among government ministries and agencies and ensure a system that does not allow problematic food items to be distributed.
When I was attending the meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters the day before yesterday, I called on all those present to "redouble their efforts while being mentally prepared for the fact that the road ahead will also certainly not be smooth." Our battle with the nuclear accident is far from over, including the issue of people still under evacuation returning to their homes.
Yesterday, the second supplementary budget bill for the reconstruction of all areas struck by the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster passed the House of Representatives. I hope that this bill is enacted swiftly and that this will assist the people in the disaster areas.
Previous to this, in the late afternoon of the day before (the 19th), I convened a meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters, at which time I received reports from Minister for Nuclear Incident Economic Countermeasures Banri Kaieda and Minister for the Restoration from and Prevention of Nuclear Accidents Goshi Hosono that the "Step 1" objective had been achieved in the Roadmap for bringing the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident under stable control.
It has been a little over four months since the accident occurred. Efforts to bring the situation under control through the national government's collective engagement are moving steadily forward. The nuclear reactor's circulation cooling system, which has been a source of concern due to minor ongoing problems, has begun operating, and the injection of nitrogen into the containment vessel has succeeded in suppressing the risk of a hydrogen explosion by some remote chance. The amount of radiation released into the atmosphere is also estimated at one two-millionth of the amount released immediately after the accident, and thus decreasing with absolute certainty.
Even now, I often think back on the days immediately following the accident. I had a sense of tense urgency regarding what might become of Japan and the sensation of a chill running down my spine. There were many individual decisions that had to be made on a moment's notice regarding one serious aspect arising after another. When I think of the situation at that time, my true feelings are "it's such a relief we got this far," but this has been the result of the dedicated efforts of the several thousand people working at the accident site and the many other persons who have been involved, more than anyone. As I mentioned in my previous blog entry, I have renewed once more my feelings of gratitude, along with my wishes that they continue their efforts safely into the future.
In the "Step 2" that is to come, the government must make concerted efforts even beyond those it has made thus far. In addition, as a result of the distribution of radiation-contaminated beef, a sense of anxiety towards the safety of food has also been spreading. Through suspending shipments and conducting necessary inspections in a thoroughgoing manner, we will keep a watchful eye so that this issue does not fall through the cracks of the compartmentalized areas of administration among government ministries and agencies and ensure a system that does not allow problematic food items to be distributed.
When I was attending the meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters the day before yesterday, I called on all those present to "redouble their efforts while being mentally prepared for the fact that the road ahead will also certainly not be smooth." Our battle with the nuclear accident is far from over, including the issue of people still under evacuation returning to their homes.
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (July 21, 2011)
Looking Squarely at the Future: "Fantastic!" and "Conversing with the people working at the nuclear accident site"
"Fantastic!"
This Women's Soccer World Cup victory is the best gift imaginable to the Japanese people and to the people in the disaster-stricken areas. In Ms. Homare Sawa and her teammates I once again feel the mighty inner strength of Japanese women.
The Japanese athletes are relatively small in stature compared with their non-Japanese colleagues. All of us received courage through the battle of "Nadeshiko" Japan, who engage in their hard-fought contests with plays that yield not even an inch and fight to the finish even when they are the underdogs, never giving up.
Representing the government on my behalf, Mr. Kan Suzuki, Senior Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology responsible for sports and a very avid soccer fan, went to Frankfurt to support the team. The "Nadeshiko" team will return to Japan tomorrow and will be visiting the Prime Minister's Office. I will convey my most sincere congratulations and thanks to them for producing this superb result.
"Conversing with the people working at the nuclear accident site"
Yesterday, I visited Fukushima in order to hear the views of the people engaged in the work to bring the nuclear accident to a stable state as well as to hold discussions with the mayors and other leaders of the municipalities that have been evacuated around the nuclear plant.
Several thousand people - not only TEPCO employees but also people connected with affiliated companies, general contractors, and so on - are engaged in work at the nuclear accident site. I take my hat off to the people on site for their dedicated efforts. Thanks to them, the work to stabilize the situation has progressed substantially, with "Step 1" of the process being completed roughly according to schedule and the transition to "Step 2" expected to be possible the day after tomorrow (the 19th).
In the course of approximately 30 minutes of speaking with them, I expressed my gratitude, saying, "The fact that the nuclear reactors are being brought under control to a significant extent is due to your dedicated work, and for that I would like to extend my most sincere appreciation. I believe that Japan is being saved through your efforts." I was truly pleased at having the opportunity to speak with the workers directly in this way and convey my feelings of gratitude. Naturally, I pledged that as the government we would continue our greatest possible efforts, including improvements in the working environment.
It was during these conversations that I heard once more that the biggest concern regarding the work environment is heat stroke. They say that because body temperature rises due to the radiation-protective equipment worn, there is no other choice but to begin work extremely early in the morning and allocate the hottest time in mid-day to recuperation. I also received a request from the medical personnel responsible for monitoring the health of the people going to the accident site, that the backup system be reinforced. I will handle this thoroughly.
My discussions with the heads and chairpersons of the twelve municipalities in the vicinity of the nuclear plant were also very meaningful. I heard once more the strong request that people wish to return to their homes at the earliest possible time. I will spare no effort in working towards this goal.
Surrounding the nuclear accident, there is an urgent need to respond while taking a bifocal view, addressing one by one issues such as these that are 'immediately at hand,' while at the same time determining a course for nuclear energy 'over the long term.' From this latter perspective, at the press conference held four days ago, I indicated that we should "achieve a society that is not dependent on nuclear power." While some have criticized the fact that I laid out my personal thinking before a decision was taken on government policy, it is only natural that the person at the helm first indicate a direction forward.
The year before last, in his speech delivered in Prague, President Obama spoke of his idea to "seek... a world without nuclear weapons" and showed the 'direction towards which the world should work in the future'. In the same way, my having declared that we will 'aim to realize a society in the future where we can do without nuclear power stations' was a statement of the Prime Minister's thinking regarding the 'direction towards which Japan should work in the future.'
Having experienced the accident of March 11, I have come to believe that as the Cabinet and as the party, full-fledged discussions are necessary on our overall energy policies, including our nuclear energy policies. I welcome the fact that since my statement the other day, debates on the pros and cons of this have become lively on a number of fronts. Now is the time for us to actively engage in material discussions.
"Fantastic!"
This Women's Soccer World Cup victory is the best gift imaginable to the Japanese people and to the people in the disaster-stricken areas. In Ms. Homare Sawa and her teammates I once again feel the mighty inner strength of Japanese women.
The Japanese athletes are relatively small in stature compared with their non-Japanese colleagues. All of us received courage through the battle of "Nadeshiko" Japan, who engage in their hard-fought contests with plays that yield not even an inch and fight to the finish even when they are the underdogs, never giving up.
Representing the government on my behalf, Mr. Kan Suzuki, Senior Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology responsible for sports and a very avid soccer fan, went to Frankfurt to support the team. The "Nadeshiko" team will return to Japan tomorrow and will be visiting the Prime Minister's Office. I will convey my most sincere congratulations and thanks to them for producing this superb result.
"Conversing with the people working at the nuclear accident site"
Yesterday, I visited Fukushima in order to hear the views of the people engaged in the work to bring the nuclear accident to a stable state as well as to hold discussions with the mayors and other leaders of the municipalities that have been evacuated around the nuclear plant.
Several thousand people - not only TEPCO employees but also people connected with affiliated companies, general contractors, and so on - are engaged in work at the nuclear accident site. I take my hat off to the people on site for their dedicated efforts. Thanks to them, the work to stabilize the situation has progressed substantially, with "Step 1" of the process being completed roughly according to schedule and the transition to "Step 2" expected to be possible the day after tomorrow (the 19th).
In the course of approximately 30 minutes of speaking with them, I expressed my gratitude, saying, "The fact that the nuclear reactors are being brought under control to a significant extent is due to your dedicated work, and for that I would like to extend my most sincere appreciation. I believe that Japan is being saved through your efforts." I was truly pleased at having the opportunity to speak with the workers directly in this way and convey my feelings of gratitude. Naturally, I pledged that as the government we would continue our greatest possible efforts, including improvements in the working environment.
It was during these conversations that I heard once more that the biggest concern regarding the work environment is heat stroke. They say that because body temperature rises due to the radiation-protective equipment worn, there is no other choice but to begin work extremely early in the morning and allocate the hottest time in mid-day to recuperation. I also received a request from the medical personnel responsible for monitoring the health of the people going to the accident site, that the backup system be reinforced. I will handle this thoroughly.
My discussions with the heads and chairpersons of the twelve municipalities in the vicinity of the nuclear plant were also very meaningful. I heard once more the strong request that people wish to return to their homes at the earliest possible time. I will spare no effort in working towards this goal.
Surrounding the nuclear accident, there is an urgent need to respond while taking a bifocal view, addressing one by one issues such as these that are 'immediately at hand,' while at the same time determining a course for nuclear energy 'over the long term.' From this latter perspective, at the press conference held four days ago, I indicated that we should "achieve a society that is not dependent on nuclear power." While some have criticized the fact that I laid out my personal thinking before a decision was taken on government policy, it is only natural that the person at the helm first indicate a direction forward.
The year before last, in his speech delivered in Prague, President Obama spoke of his idea to "seek... a world without nuclear weapons" and showed the 'direction towards which the world should work in the future'. In the same way, my having declared that we will 'aim to realize a society in the future where we can do without nuclear power stations' was a statement of the Prime Minister's thinking regarding the 'direction towards which Japan should work in the future.'
Having experienced the accident of March 11, I have come to believe that as the Cabinet and as the party, full-fledged discussions are necessary on our overall energy policies, including our nuclear energy policies. I welcome the fact that since my statement the other day, debates on the pros and cons of this have become lively on a number of fronts. Now is the time for us to actively engage in material discussions.
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (July 20, 2011)
"No. 24 [Conversion] Ushering in a New Era! Bill to Promote Renewable Energies"
Looking Squarely at the Future and ""The next era" (6): Towards a society that does not rely on nuclear power".
"No. 24 [Conversion] Ushering in a New Era! Bill to Promote Renewable Energies"
--- "Energy Shift Now!" Meeting (June 15)
Actress Ms. Miyuki Matsuda
Ms. Matsuda: You are the only person who can drive this change right now. I earnestly ask for your leadership on this. (Applause from the audience)
A letter of request seeking the enactment of the Bill to Promote Renewable Energies during the current Diet session is handed to the Prime Minister
--- Commemoration Ceremony of the 50th Anniversary of the OECD, Paris, France (May 25)
Prime Minister: Madam Chair, Japan will now review its basic energy plan from its basis and is set to address new challenges!
Narration: This year in May, the Prime Minister declared Japan's "new challenges" on the international stage.
Prime Minister: We will engage in drastic technological innovation in order to increase the share of renewable energy in total electric power supply to at least go beyond 20% by the earliest possible in the 2020s!
Narration: Excluding hydroelectric power generation, renewable energies currently account for just 1% of total electric power supply. A key driver for vastly expanding this ratio is precisely the Bill to Promote Renewable Energies.
Breakdown of Electric Power Supply (FY2007)
- Natural gas: 282.2 billion kWh (28%)
- Nuclear power: 263.8 billion kWh (26%)
- Coal: 260.5 billion kWh (25%)
- Petroleum: 135.6 billion kWh (13%)
- Hydroelectric power: 78.4 billion kWh (8%)
- Renewable energies: 10.0 billion kWh (1%) (excluding hydroelectric power)
Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Energy Supply and Demand Structure in 2030"
Narration: It used to be that electric power had to be transported from afar from large power generating stations. Today, solar panels and other devices have made privately-owned power generation technologically feasible. Nevertheless, the still high installation costs and lack of stability have prevented its widespread adoption. Against this backdrop, the new bill will allow electric power companies to purchase privately generated power at fixed prices. This is expected to increase the number of households and other entities utilizing privately-owned power generation with a sense of assurance, advance the mass production and research of solar panels and other devices, decrease costs significantly, and furthermore, increase stability. Ultimately, it will allow Japan to realistically reduce its dependence on nuclear power and other non-renewable energy sources. This bill will, indeed, be the entry point to the energy reform with the public's participation!
--- "Energy Shift Now!" Meeting (June 15)
Ms. Takako Momoi, NPO Kiko Network
Ms. Momoi: This legislation has been much anticipated by us, citizens, for many decades.
Singer Ms. Tokiko Kato
Ms. Kato: I sincerely pray for its enactment.
Narration: "Energy Shift Now!" is a public meeting that seeks to convert Japan's energy supply to renewable energies. At this meeting attended by a range of influential people and Diet members, the Prime Minister said...
Prime Minister: The choice is not between fossil fuels and nuclear power. The job of specialists or politicians is to create options. This bill will be a step forward for the development of options, and I would like this bill to be passed no matter what it takes!
Narration: In 1980, politician Naoto Kan wrote the following in one of the policy documents from the election which he first won.
From a policy document
Nuclear power stations continue to pose high risks. The development of naturally existing renewable energies, including solar, wind, and geothermal, ought to be promoted.
--- Open Forum
Narration: The Prime Minister currently holds open forums using the Internet. Here, too, opinions are exchanged on energy policy with a variety of influential people.
Former coach of the Japan national soccer team Mr. Takeshi Okada (at the Prime Minister's Office)
Mr. Okada: We are borrowing nature from our descendants. Something we are borrowing should not be destroyed, dirtied, or damaged.
Musician Mr. Ryuichi Sakamoto (via video)
Mr. Sakamoto: The technology is already out there. We just haven't been putting it to use. If we put our minds to it, we can definitely do it.
Film director Mr. Hayao Miyazaki (via mobile video)
Mr. Miyazaki: Please pass the natural energy bill. Whether you are quitting or not quitting, keep urging and making appeals to the people.
Prime Minister: This is an issue which I must tackle based on my responsibility as Prime Minister. At the same time, I will be thoroughly engaged in this issue for as long as I live. Thank you very much for your contributions today.
""The next era" (6): Towards a society that does not rely on nuclear power"
At yesterday's press conference, I indicated my fundamental stance that "we will aim at a society that does not rely on nuclear power. We will reduce our degree of dependence on nuclear power in stages and in the future realize a society that is able to get along without nuclear power."
I also stated candidly at this press conference that, having experienced the earthquake disaster and nuclear accident of March 11, my own way of thinking about nuclear power has changed. Until then, my view had been one of "utilizing nuclear power while paying adequate attention to safety." However, the week after the earthquake disaster, as I stayed even overnight at the Prime Minister's Office working to bring the situation under control, was truly a spine-chilling time for me in determining how to keep the nuclear-related damage from spreading. Once a nuclear accident spreads, as in the current case, it is impossible to avoid wide-scale evacuations and long-term impacts. In considering the magnitude of the risk of an accident, I came to believe that we should aim to create a society that does not rely on nuclear power.
While there have been some doubts concerning my remarks at yesterday's press conference, insofar as a concrete path forward was not clearly set out, in the comments submitted through the Prime Minister's Office's website, on Twitter, and elsewhere, I have been receiving a great response supporting my remarks. I consider it important to first of all set forth a clear direction in this way, and in the future it will be necessary to have fully-fledged discussions on the concrete path forward.
Discussions finally began today at the Diet on the Bill to Promote Renewable Energies, an important first step in this "concrete path forward." I am strongly determined to bring this bill into enactment. In addition, with regard to a long-term course further into the future, the Energy and Environment Council was already launched at the end of June. Chaired by the Minister for National Policy, this Council seeks to formulate innovative energy strategies.
Furthermore, today Minister for National Policy Koichiro Gemba stated during questioning at the Diet that the Energy and Environment Council will put forth its views on "stability in electrical supply and demand in the near future," at roughly the end of this month.
How shall we transition smoothly to this "next era" in which we can get along without nuclear power? The work that will bring this into concrete form is now moving ahead, one step at a time.
Looking Squarely at the Future and ""The next era" (6): Towards a society that does not rely on nuclear power".
"No. 24 [Conversion] Ushering in a New Era! Bill to Promote Renewable Energies"
--- "Energy Shift Now!" Meeting (June 15)
Actress Ms. Miyuki Matsuda
Ms. Matsuda: You are the only person who can drive this change right now. I earnestly ask for your leadership on this. (Applause from the audience)
A letter of request seeking the enactment of the Bill to Promote Renewable Energies during the current Diet session is handed to the Prime Minister
--- Commemoration Ceremony of the 50th Anniversary of the OECD, Paris, France (May 25)
Prime Minister: Madam Chair, Japan will now review its basic energy plan from its basis and is set to address new challenges!
Narration: This year in May, the Prime Minister declared Japan's "new challenges" on the international stage.
Prime Minister: We will engage in drastic technological innovation in order to increase the share of renewable energy in total electric power supply to at least go beyond 20% by the earliest possible in the 2020s!
Narration: Excluding hydroelectric power generation, renewable energies currently account for just 1% of total electric power supply. A key driver for vastly expanding this ratio is precisely the Bill to Promote Renewable Energies.
Breakdown of Electric Power Supply (FY2007)
- Natural gas: 282.2 billion kWh (28%)
- Nuclear power: 263.8 billion kWh (26%)
- Coal: 260.5 billion kWh (25%)
- Petroleum: 135.6 billion kWh (13%)
- Hydroelectric power: 78.4 billion kWh (8%)
- Renewable energies: 10.0 billion kWh (1%) (excluding hydroelectric power)
Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Energy Supply and Demand Structure in 2030"
Narration: It used to be that electric power had to be transported from afar from large power generating stations. Today, solar panels and other devices have made privately-owned power generation technologically feasible. Nevertheless, the still high installation costs and lack of stability have prevented its widespread adoption. Against this backdrop, the new bill will allow electric power companies to purchase privately generated power at fixed prices. This is expected to increase the number of households and other entities utilizing privately-owned power generation with a sense of assurance, advance the mass production and research of solar panels and other devices, decrease costs significantly, and furthermore, increase stability. Ultimately, it will allow Japan to realistically reduce its dependence on nuclear power and other non-renewable energy sources. This bill will, indeed, be the entry point to the energy reform with the public's participation!
--- "Energy Shift Now!" Meeting (June 15)
Ms. Takako Momoi, NPO Kiko Network
Ms. Momoi: This legislation has been much anticipated by us, citizens, for many decades.
Singer Ms. Tokiko Kato
Ms. Kato: I sincerely pray for its enactment.
Narration: "Energy Shift Now!" is a public meeting that seeks to convert Japan's energy supply to renewable energies. At this meeting attended by a range of influential people and Diet members, the Prime Minister said...
Prime Minister: The choice is not between fossil fuels and nuclear power. The job of specialists or politicians is to create options. This bill will be a step forward for the development of options, and I would like this bill to be passed no matter what it takes!
Narration: In 1980, politician Naoto Kan wrote the following in one of the policy documents from the election which he first won.
From a policy document
Nuclear power stations continue to pose high risks. The development of naturally existing renewable energies, including solar, wind, and geothermal, ought to be promoted.
--- Open Forum
Narration: The Prime Minister currently holds open forums using the Internet. Here, too, opinions are exchanged on energy policy with a variety of influential people.
Former coach of the Japan national soccer team Mr. Takeshi Okada (at the Prime Minister's Office)
Mr. Okada: We are borrowing nature from our descendants. Something we are borrowing should not be destroyed, dirtied, or damaged.
Musician Mr. Ryuichi Sakamoto (via video)
Mr. Sakamoto: The technology is already out there. We just haven't been putting it to use. If we put our minds to it, we can definitely do it.
Film director Mr. Hayao Miyazaki (via mobile video)
Mr. Miyazaki: Please pass the natural energy bill. Whether you are quitting or not quitting, keep urging and making appeals to the people.
Prime Minister: This is an issue which I must tackle based on my responsibility as Prime Minister. At the same time, I will be thoroughly engaged in this issue for as long as I live. Thank you very much for your contributions today.
""The next era" (6): Towards a society that does not rely on nuclear power"
At yesterday's press conference, I indicated my fundamental stance that "we will aim at a society that does not rely on nuclear power. We will reduce our degree of dependence on nuclear power in stages and in the future realize a society that is able to get along without nuclear power."
I also stated candidly at this press conference that, having experienced the earthquake disaster and nuclear accident of March 11, my own way of thinking about nuclear power has changed. Until then, my view had been one of "utilizing nuclear power while paying adequate attention to safety." However, the week after the earthquake disaster, as I stayed even overnight at the Prime Minister's Office working to bring the situation under control, was truly a spine-chilling time for me in determining how to keep the nuclear-related damage from spreading. Once a nuclear accident spreads, as in the current case, it is impossible to avoid wide-scale evacuations and long-term impacts. In considering the magnitude of the risk of an accident, I came to believe that we should aim to create a society that does not rely on nuclear power.
While there have been some doubts concerning my remarks at yesterday's press conference, insofar as a concrete path forward was not clearly set out, in the comments submitted through the Prime Minister's Office's website, on Twitter, and elsewhere, I have been receiving a great response supporting my remarks. I consider it important to first of all set forth a clear direction in this way, and in the future it will be necessary to have fully-fledged discussions on the concrete path forward.
Discussions finally began today at the Diet on the Bill to Promote Renewable Energies, an important first step in this "concrete path forward." I am strongly determined to bring this bill into enactment. In addition, with regard to a long-term course further into the future, the Energy and Environment Council was already launched at the end of June. Chaired by the Minister for National Policy, this Council seeks to formulate innovative energy strategies.
Furthermore, today Minister for National Policy Koichiro Gemba stated during questioning at the Diet that the Energy and Environment Council will put forth its views on "stability in electrical supply and demand in the near future," at roughly the end of this month.
How shall we transition smoothly to this "next era" in which we can get along without nuclear power? The work that will bring this into concrete form is now moving ahead, one step at a time.
sábado, 16 de julho de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (July 15, 2011)
"The essence of the problem behind the introduction of stress tests"
Yesterday marked the fourth month since the great earthquake disaster struck. During this time, I have dedicated myself in my own way to recovery and reconstruction and also responses to the nuclear accident. Yet I am unable to convey adequately my true intentions regarding my words and actions. On reflection, I feel that I am not quite fully conveying my personal thoughts on account of my being overly conscious of my position as Prime Minister.
With regard to the recent introduction of stress tests for each of Japan's nuclear reactors, yesterday a consensus opinion of the Cabinet was compiled. I had given instructions for the 'formulation of rules in a way acceptable to the public' and I feel that we succeeded in compiling a document that makes progress in this regard. This was not by any means a conclusion reached lightly, but rather a conclusion that was reached by starting from the viewpoints of 'safety and peace of mind.'
The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) is situated within the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and we must resolve at an early time the contradiction of having the same entity 'promoting' nuclear power and 'checking' it. This is something that we already declared within a report submitted to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an international organization, and not something that was brought up just now out of the blue. Grounded in this thinking, naturally the decision to restart each nuclear reactor and other matters cannot be left to only NISA in its current form. The cornerstone of this recent policy decision is that, even if that is in fact the procedure under the existing legal system, the reality is that we should involve the Nuclear Safety Commission, an independent entity. In parallel with this decision, review work has already begun on a re-examination of the "form" to be taken by nuclear energy-related regulations and administration, which is the crux of the issue.
At the same time, the government must ensure another form of 'peace of mind,' namely, shouldering responsibility for electrical power supply in the near term. For this reason I have given instructions to take up considerations such that a concrete policy can be put forth in the near future regarding policies for ensuring electrical power supply as well, including the further utilization of companies' in-house power generation and innovative means of energy conservation. To review from a blank slate the Basic Energy Plan we have had in place until now, and over the medium to long term to introduce renewable energies and promote energy conservation and to break away from our dependence on nuclear power each day, to what extent can I transform such clear-cut 'resolve' into concrete 'form'? Today I will once again give it my all in engaging in these matters.
Related link:
"Confirmation of the Safety of Nuclear Power Stations in Japan (Introduction of safety assessments using stress tests as a source of reference, etc.)"
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/incident/pdf/stresstest_e.pdf
Yesterday marked the fourth month since the great earthquake disaster struck. During this time, I have dedicated myself in my own way to recovery and reconstruction and also responses to the nuclear accident. Yet I am unable to convey adequately my true intentions regarding my words and actions. On reflection, I feel that I am not quite fully conveying my personal thoughts on account of my being overly conscious of my position as Prime Minister.
With regard to the recent introduction of stress tests for each of Japan's nuclear reactors, yesterday a consensus opinion of the Cabinet was compiled. I had given instructions for the 'formulation of rules in a way acceptable to the public' and I feel that we succeeded in compiling a document that makes progress in this regard. This was not by any means a conclusion reached lightly, but rather a conclusion that was reached by starting from the viewpoints of 'safety and peace of mind.'
The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) is situated within the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and we must resolve at an early time the contradiction of having the same entity 'promoting' nuclear power and 'checking' it. This is something that we already declared within a report submitted to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an international organization, and not something that was brought up just now out of the blue. Grounded in this thinking, naturally the decision to restart each nuclear reactor and other matters cannot be left to only NISA in its current form. The cornerstone of this recent policy decision is that, even if that is in fact the procedure under the existing legal system, the reality is that we should involve the Nuclear Safety Commission, an independent entity. In parallel with this decision, review work has already begun on a re-examination of the "form" to be taken by nuclear energy-related regulations and administration, which is the crux of the issue.
At the same time, the government must ensure another form of 'peace of mind,' namely, shouldering responsibility for electrical power supply in the near term. For this reason I have given instructions to take up considerations such that a concrete policy can be put forth in the near future regarding policies for ensuring electrical power supply as well, including the further utilization of companies' in-house power generation and innovative means of energy conservation. To review from a blank slate the Basic Energy Plan we have had in place until now, and over the medium to long term to introduce renewable energies and promote energy conservation and to break away from our dependence on nuclear power each day, to what extent can I transform such clear-cut 'resolve' into concrete 'form'? Today I will once again give it my all in engaging in these matters.
Related link:
"Confirmation of the Safety of Nuclear Power Stations in Japan (Introduction of safety assessments using stress tests as a source of reference, etc.)"
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/incident/pdf/stresstest_e.pdf
sábado, 9 de julho de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (July 9, 2011)
"The second supplementary budget, and my expectation for Mr. Hirano, new Minister for Reconstruction in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake"
At yesterday's Cabinet meeting, we approved a bill that would create an approximately 2 trillion yen second supplementary budget, which is needed to finance the immediate expenditures of recovery work following the Great East Japan Earthquake. The budget allocates funds for many urgent items, including compensation payments related to the nuclear incident, an increase in the Government's contribution to the livelihood rehabilitation assistance being provided to disaster victims, and measures to tackle the double loan issue. Priority was given to speed rather than scale when formulating this budget.
One example of the measures which required immediate action is the provision of funds for the installation of ice machines and other equipment at port facilities (19.3 billion yen). When I visited the Kamaishi fishing port on June 11, I was told in person that even if fishing was resumed, caught fish could not be transported to market without ice to chill them. I answered that I would do whatever needs to be done to quickly set aside funds for equipment purchases, and asked that the people of the port start doing any work they could. I promised them a quick response. This exchange, which was also recorded for Prime Minister KAN's TV, directly led to the allocation of additional funds in the draft second supplementary budget.
The advantage of visiting affected areas is that I can get a direct sense of their real needs. This time, when I visited the Kamaishi fishing port, I was accompanied by Mr. Tatsuo Hirano, a member of the House of Councillors from Iwate.
Yesterday, I appointed Mr. Hirano to the post of Minister for Reconstruction in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, replacing Mr. Ryu Matsumoto, who resigned as a means of taking responsibility for his inappropriate remarks and actions. Mr. Hirano has been working on the front lines of recovery and reconstruction assistance to date as the Secretary-General of the Team in Charge of Assisting the Lives of Disaster Victims. I have high expectations that he will continue to work hard in his new position.
At yesterday's Cabinet meeting, we approved a bill that would create an approximately 2 trillion yen second supplementary budget, which is needed to finance the immediate expenditures of recovery work following the Great East Japan Earthquake. The budget allocates funds for many urgent items, including compensation payments related to the nuclear incident, an increase in the Government's contribution to the livelihood rehabilitation assistance being provided to disaster victims, and measures to tackle the double loan issue. Priority was given to speed rather than scale when formulating this budget.
One example of the measures which required immediate action is the provision of funds for the installation of ice machines and other equipment at port facilities (19.3 billion yen). When I visited the Kamaishi fishing port on June 11, I was told in person that even if fishing was resumed, caught fish could not be transported to market without ice to chill them. I answered that I would do whatever needs to be done to quickly set aside funds for equipment purchases, and asked that the people of the port start doing any work they could. I promised them a quick response. This exchange, which was also recorded for Prime Minister KAN's TV, directly led to the allocation of additional funds in the draft second supplementary budget.
The advantage of visiting affected areas is that I can get a direct sense of their real needs. This time, when I visited the Kamaishi fishing port, I was accompanied by Mr. Tatsuo Hirano, a member of the House of Councillors from Iwate.
Yesterday, I appointed Mr. Hirano to the post of Minister for Reconstruction in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, replacing Mr. Ryu Matsumoto, who resigned as a means of taking responsibility for his inappropriate remarks and actions. Mr. Hirano has been working on the front lines of recovery and reconstruction assistance to date as the Secretary-General of the Team in Charge of Assisting the Lives of Disaster Victims. I have high expectations that he will continue to work hard in his new position.
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (July 8, 2011)
"No. 23 [Settlement] Hepatitis B Litigation: The Prime Minister's Apology, and the Way Forward"
--- June 28: Meeting with plaintiffs' groups in the litigation over hepatitis B
Ms. Mieko Taniguchi, leader of the national plaintiffs' group
Ms. Taniguchi: The physical suffering and the suffering of discrimination and bias were hell.
Prime Minister: It truly breaks my heart.
Mr. Shigeyasu Yamamoto, leader of the Hiroshima plaintiffs' group
Mr. Yamamoto: Dreams do come true. The fact that I was able to meet with you today is proof of that.
Prime Minister: On behalf of the Government of Japan, I express my heartfelt apology to all victims and patients. [The Prime Minister walks to the front of the podium and bows deeply to the leaders of the plaintiffs' groups.]
Narration: Because the Government long neglected to stop the reuse of needles during group vaccinations, many people were infected with the hepatitis B virus. Over 700 people nationwide have now filed suits against the Government in relation to this.
Narration: Five years ago, the Supreme Court ruled for the first time that the Government was liable for this problem. On January 11 of this year, the Sapporo District Court proposed a settlement offer. Two weeks later...
January 24, PM's Policy Speech
Prime Minister: We will respond constructively to the findings (settlement offer) of the court in the litigation over hepatitis B and, with the understanding of the public, seek a settlement at an early date.
Narration: At the outset of the current Diet session, the Prime Minister showed enthusiasm toward resolving this issue. Discussions have advanced toward reaching an agreement.
June 28: Signing ceremony for the basic agreement
Narration: On June 28, following the signing ceremony for the basic agreement to reach a settlement with plaintiffs' groups, the Prime Minister met with and directly apologized to around 130 plaintiffs and other people.
Prime Minister: Moving forward, I promise that we will implement the basic agreement with integrity, including payouts for the settlement package and for the costs of health examinations.
Ms. Kyoko Okada, leader of the Tokyo plaintiffs' group
Ms. Okada: What we really want is to hear an apology from those who neglected the problem.
Mr. Shigeyasu Yamamoto, leader of the Hiroshima plaintiffs' group
Mr. Yamamoto: I have a request to make, although I understand that it is a difficult one. Through a top-down approach, I want you to instruct those below you to make hepatitis B a curable illness. I want you to commit to its treatment and research.
Prime Minister: I promise you that we will exert even greater effort to eliminate the (hepatitis B) virus and prevent its onset. We will put further effort into research for this.
Mr. Tomomi Takahashi, leader of the Hokkaido plaintiffs' group
Mr. Takahashi: Can we trust you, Prime Minister Kan?
Prime Minister: I will do everything in my power to ensure that specific compensation is provided.
Narration: The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare estimates that about 400,000 people qualify for compensation, which is expected to total up to 3.2 trillion yen over the next 30 years. Securing the financial resources for compensation is also a significant challenge.
Ms. Mieko Taniguchi, leader of the national plaintiffs' group
Ms. Taniguchi: I ask that the Government make sure that any tax increases are not seen as the fault of hepatitis B patients (given the need to secure funds for compensation)!
Narration: That same day, the Prime Minister received a calendar from "Orange Support," a student group supporting the plaintiffs. The day the Prime Minister delivered his apology, June 28, is marked on the calendar. However, this doesn't mean that the suffering of each victim ended on June 28.
Ms. Makiko Koike, co-leader of the Osaka plaintiffs' group
Ms. Koike: [With her voice shaking, she says to the Prime Minister] Even after I die, my children will continue to be victimized. My daughter has placed her life at risk by postponing medication in order to have children. Please don't forget the depth of the damage this has caused. It has altered the lives of affected parents and children forever.
Prime Minister: Today's basic agreement is the starting line for a resolution to this issue. I believe this.
The Prime Minister is joined by Ms. Taniguchi, leader of the national plaintiffs' group, in front of the podium
The Prime Minister shakes hands with Ms. Taniguchi using both of his hands and bows deeply
Ms. Taniguchi: We're counting on you. (Applause from the audience)
--- June 28: Meeting with plaintiffs' groups in the litigation over hepatitis B
Ms. Mieko Taniguchi, leader of the national plaintiffs' group
Ms. Taniguchi: The physical suffering and the suffering of discrimination and bias were hell.
Prime Minister: It truly breaks my heart.
Mr. Shigeyasu Yamamoto, leader of the Hiroshima plaintiffs' group
Mr. Yamamoto: Dreams do come true. The fact that I was able to meet with you today is proof of that.
Prime Minister: On behalf of the Government of Japan, I express my heartfelt apology to all victims and patients. [The Prime Minister walks to the front of the podium and bows deeply to the leaders of the plaintiffs' groups.]
Narration: Because the Government long neglected to stop the reuse of needles during group vaccinations, many people were infected with the hepatitis B virus. Over 700 people nationwide have now filed suits against the Government in relation to this.
Narration: Five years ago, the Supreme Court ruled for the first time that the Government was liable for this problem. On January 11 of this year, the Sapporo District Court proposed a settlement offer. Two weeks later...
January 24, PM's Policy Speech
Prime Minister: We will respond constructively to the findings (settlement offer) of the court in the litigation over hepatitis B and, with the understanding of the public, seek a settlement at an early date.
Narration: At the outset of the current Diet session, the Prime Minister showed enthusiasm toward resolving this issue. Discussions have advanced toward reaching an agreement.
June 28: Signing ceremony for the basic agreement
Narration: On June 28, following the signing ceremony for the basic agreement to reach a settlement with plaintiffs' groups, the Prime Minister met with and directly apologized to around 130 plaintiffs and other people.
Prime Minister: Moving forward, I promise that we will implement the basic agreement with integrity, including payouts for the settlement package and for the costs of health examinations.
Ms. Kyoko Okada, leader of the Tokyo plaintiffs' group
Ms. Okada: What we really want is to hear an apology from those who neglected the problem.
Mr. Shigeyasu Yamamoto, leader of the Hiroshima plaintiffs' group
Mr. Yamamoto: I have a request to make, although I understand that it is a difficult one. Through a top-down approach, I want you to instruct those below you to make hepatitis B a curable illness. I want you to commit to its treatment and research.
Prime Minister: I promise you that we will exert even greater effort to eliminate the (hepatitis B) virus and prevent its onset. We will put further effort into research for this.
Mr. Tomomi Takahashi, leader of the Hokkaido plaintiffs' group
Mr. Takahashi: Can we trust you, Prime Minister Kan?
Prime Minister: I will do everything in my power to ensure that specific compensation is provided.
Narration: The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare estimates that about 400,000 people qualify for compensation, which is expected to total up to 3.2 trillion yen over the next 30 years. Securing the financial resources for compensation is also a significant challenge.
Ms. Mieko Taniguchi, leader of the national plaintiffs' group
Ms. Taniguchi: I ask that the Government make sure that any tax increases are not seen as the fault of hepatitis B patients (given the need to secure funds for compensation)!
Narration: That same day, the Prime Minister received a calendar from "Orange Support," a student group supporting the plaintiffs. The day the Prime Minister delivered his apology, June 28, is marked on the calendar. However, this doesn't mean that the suffering of each victim ended on June 28.
Ms. Makiko Koike, co-leader of the Osaka plaintiffs' group
Ms. Koike: [With her voice shaking, she says to the Prime Minister] Even after I die, my children will continue to be victimized. My daughter has placed her life at risk by postponing medication in order to have children. Please don't forget the depth of the damage this has caused. It has altered the lives of affected parents and children forever.
Prime Minister: Today's basic agreement is the starting line for a resolution to this issue. I believe this.
The Prime Minister is joined by Ms. Taniguchi, leader of the national plaintiffs' group, in front of the podium
The Prime Minister shakes hands with Ms. Taniguchi using both of his hands and bows deeply
Ms. Taniguchi: We're counting on you. (Applause from the audience)
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (July 6, 2011)
"Increasing Research Funds for Hepatitis B"
A few days ago, I met with the plaintiffs' group for lawsuits over hepatitis B and apologized to them. At that time, the patients strongly requested that therapeutic drugs be developed that could cure hepatitis B. Immediately on the spot, I instructed the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare to begin work on this.
It is important that we start actual work as soon as possible in order to swiftly move this issue forward. That is why today, I asked physician and Parliamentary Secretary of Health, Labour and Welfare Dr. Mitsunori Okamoto to visit my office to explain to me the direction of research on hepatitis B and discussed related topics with them.
About 2 billion yen is budgeted this fiscal year for the ongoing "Seven-Year Strategy for Hepatitis Research" and other related programs. It goes without saying that for patients, nothing could be more desirable than to propel research forward and develop a cure for hepatitis B by increasing the funding in this area.
Furthermore, taking a rather long-term perspective on the issue, I do not believe that increased funding for hepatitis B research will pose a problem to the reality of Japan's current difficult fiscal situation. By advancing research, we can lower the incidence rate of the disease and prevent those who have it from becoming worse. In doing so, the amount of money for the settlement package to be paid out to patients by the national Government can be minimized overall (the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare estimates the total cost of settlements to be up to 3.2 trillion yen over the next 30 years). I have instructed relevant parties to see to it that funding for research into the treatment of hepatitis is increased.
I wrote two days ago on this blog that, "demonstrating the phrase 'starting line' through concrete actions is the duty of the government, starting today." We have now taken the first step toward this.
A few days ago, I met with the plaintiffs' group for lawsuits over hepatitis B and apologized to them. At that time, the patients strongly requested that therapeutic drugs be developed that could cure hepatitis B. Immediately on the spot, I instructed the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare to begin work on this.
It is important that we start actual work as soon as possible in order to swiftly move this issue forward. That is why today, I asked physician and Parliamentary Secretary of Health, Labour and Welfare Dr. Mitsunori Okamoto to visit my office to explain to me the direction of research on hepatitis B and discussed related topics with them.
About 2 billion yen is budgeted this fiscal year for the ongoing "Seven-Year Strategy for Hepatitis Research" and other related programs. It goes without saying that for patients, nothing could be more desirable than to propel research forward and develop a cure for hepatitis B by increasing the funding in this area.
Furthermore, taking a rather long-term perspective on the issue, I do not believe that increased funding for hepatitis B research will pose a problem to the reality of Japan's current difficult fiscal situation. By advancing research, we can lower the incidence rate of the disease and prevent those who have it from becoming worse. In doing so, the amount of money for the settlement package to be paid out to patients by the national Government can be minimized overall (the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare estimates the total cost of settlements to be up to 3.2 trillion yen over the next 30 years). I have instructed relevant parties to see to it that funding for research into the treatment of hepatitis is increased.
I wrote two days ago on this blog that, "demonstrating the phrase 'starting line' through concrete actions is the duty of the government, starting today." We have now taken the first step toward this.
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (July 4, 2011)
Looking Squarely at the Future
"The comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems"
"Hepatitis B situation not yet settled"
"My reflections over the past week"
"The comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems"
The proposal for the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems has finally been approved by the Headquarters of the Government and Ruling Parties for Social Security Reform after much heated discussion.
The social security system was first set up in 1946 following its establishment by Article 25 of the Japanese Constitution. Since then, the system has developed into one of the fundamental pillars supporting the people and the Government of Japan. I was born in that same year, and therefore belong to the generation that most benefited from social security.
However, in the past 20 years the environment surrounding social security has changed drastically, mainly due to such issues as declining birthrates, the aging of the population, and increases in informal employment. Anyone can tell that we need a fundamental reform of social security including public finance in order to maintain a system the people can truly feel comfortable with. However, partly due to the unpopularity of financial resources issues during elections, such a major reform has been consistently postponed.
In consideration of this, the fact that the agreement this time among the Government and ruling parties encompasses financial resources issues is of great historical significance. I will present this proposal to the opposition parties, and hope to have in-depth national debate on it in order to realize social security reform by the hands of the people.
"Hepatitis B situation not yet settled"
Yesterday at the Prime Minister's Office, I met with members of a plaintiffs group in lawsuits connected to hepatitis B contraction and I apologized to them on behalf of the government. I heard stories from several patients directly, who spoke of the heartbreak resulting from mother-to-child transmission, the discrimination they had faced in various ways, and so on.
Fifteen years ago, at the time of the issue of AIDS contracted through contaminated blood products, I also apologized to patients as Minister of Health and Welfare. As hepatitis B infection spread as a result of the government not regulating for many years the reuse of vaccination syringes, it has a different cause than that of AIDS contracted through contaminated blood products, but, as the person responsible for the government, the fact that this situation was not avoided makes it a most extremely regrettable matter.
In the case of AIDS caused by contaminated blood products, at the time that the settlement was reached, groundbreaking new drugs that help protect against the onset of the disease were developed, greatly decreasing the number of people dying. At yesterday's meeting as well, I received a strong request from the Hiroshima plaintiffs group for research and development of therapeutic drugs to delay or prevent the onset of hepatitis B. Immediately there at the venue, I strongly instructed the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare to take up this matter.
Of course it is impossible to say that a settlement has been reached simply through the signing of a Letter of Understanding for the settling of the lawsuits. When I said yesterday "we are still standing at the starting line for resolving this issue," several of the people sitting in the patients' seats nodded their heads. Starting today, it is the duty of the government to demonstrate these words through concrete actions.
"My reflections over the past week"
During this week in which I had taken a break from updating this blog, I was swamped with the extension of the Diet session, the appointment of new ministers, and so on. What I had on my mind the entirety of that time was that we must not stop our movement forward toward recovery and reconstruction from the earthquake disaster for even a minute, and that we must pave the way for a system to prevent the recurrence of a nuclear accident.
I am truly pleased that Mr. Ryu Matsumoto kindly agreed to take on the job of Minister for Reconstruction in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake. Since the earthquake disaster occurred, as
the Minister of State for Disaster Management, Minister Matsumoto has continuously devoted the entirety of his time to lead countermeasures for the disaster. Well-familiar with the disaster-stricken areas, he enjoys the trust of people concerned, notably the heads of the areas affected by the disaster. In the future, he will be engaged in full-scale reconstruction efforts still further, formulating guidelines via the Reconstruction Headquarters in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake while giving due regard to the recommendations received from the Reconstruction Design Council on June 25.
As for preventing the recurrence of a nuclear accident, I have appointed Mr. Goshi Hosono as Minister for Conclusion of the Nuclear Incident and Prevention of Recurrence. Since the accident first occurred, Minister Hosono has been devoting his full energy to measures to address the nuclear accident in his capacity as Special Advisor to the Prime Minister upon special assignment from myself, including relations with Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA), and foreign countries including the U.S., while also serving as the person responsible for drafting the report to the IAEA, among other tasks. In the course of his activities, he has come to perceive in a most profound way the problems associated with current public administration of nuclear energy. I appointed Mr. Hosono, a young man of 39, to be Minister in expectation of his further efforts, to ensure we create a system that prevents the recurrence of a nuclear accident so that serious problems will never occur again in the future.
"The comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems"
"Hepatitis B situation not yet settled"
"My reflections over the past week"
"The comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems"
The proposal for the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems has finally been approved by the Headquarters of the Government and Ruling Parties for Social Security Reform after much heated discussion.
The social security system was first set up in 1946 following its establishment by Article 25 of the Japanese Constitution. Since then, the system has developed into one of the fundamental pillars supporting the people and the Government of Japan. I was born in that same year, and therefore belong to the generation that most benefited from social security.
However, in the past 20 years the environment surrounding social security has changed drastically, mainly due to such issues as declining birthrates, the aging of the population, and increases in informal employment. Anyone can tell that we need a fundamental reform of social security including public finance in order to maintain a system the people can truly feel comfortable with. However, partly due to the unpopularity of financial resources issues during elections, such a major reform has been consistently postponed.
In consideration of this, the fact that the agreement this time among the Government and ruling parties encompasses financial resources issues is of great historical significance. I will present this proposal to the opposition parties, and hope to have in-depth national debate on it in order to realize social security reform by the hands of the people.
"Hepatitis B situation not yet settled"
Yesterday at the Prime Minister's Office, I met with members of a plaintiffs group in lawsuits connected to hepatitis B contraction and I apologized to them on behalf of the government. I heard stories from several patients directly, who spoke of the heartbreak resulting from mother-to-child transmission, the discrimination they had faced in various ways, and so on.
Fifteen years ago, at the time of the issue of AIDS contracted through contaminated blood products, I also apologized to patients as Minister of Health and Welfare. As hepatitis B infection spread as a result of the government not regulating for many years the reuse of vaccination syringes, it has a different cause than that of AIDS contracted through contaminated blood products, but, as the person responsible for the government, the fact that this situation was not avoided makes it a most extremely regrettable matter.
In the case of AIDS caused by contaminated blood products, at the time that the settlement was reached, groundbreaking new drugs that help protect against the onset of the disease were developed, greatly decreasing the number of people dying. At yesterday's meeting as well, I received a strong request from the Hiroshima plaintiffs group for research and development of therapeutic drugs to delay or prevent the onset of hepatitis B. Immediately there at the venue, I strongly instructed the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare to take up this matter.
Of course it is impossible to say that a settlement has been reached simply through the signing of a Letter of Understanding for the settling of the lawsuits. When I said yesterday "we are still standing at the starting line for resolving this issue," several of the people sitting in the patients' seats nodded their heads. Starting today, it is the duty of the government to demonstrate these words through concrete actions.
"My reflections over the past week"
During this week in which I had taken a break from updating this blog, I was swamped with the extension of the Diet session, the appointment of new ministers, and so on. What I had on my mind the entirety of that time was that we must not stop our movement forward toward recovery and reconstruction from the earthquake disaster for even a minute, and that we must pave the way for a system to prevent the recurrence of a nuclear accident.
I am truly pleased that Mr. Ryu Matsumoto kindly agreed to take on the job of Minister for Reconstruction in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake. Since the earthquake disaster occurred, as
the Minister of State for Disaster Management, Minister Matsumoto has continuously devoted the entirety of his time to lead countermeasures for the disaster. Well-familiar with the disaster-stricken areas, he enjoys the trust of people concerned, notably the heads of the areas affected by the disaster. In the future, he will be engaged in full-scale reconstruction efforts still further, formulating guidelines via the Reconstruction Headquarters in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake while giving due regard to the recommendations received from the Reconstruction Design Council on June 25.
As for preventing the recurrence of a nuclear accident, I have appointed Mr. Goshi Hosono as Minister for Conclusion of the Nuclear Incident and Prevention of Recurrence. Since the accident first occurred, Minister Hosono has been devoting his full energy to measures to address the nuclear accident in his capacity as Special Advisor to the Prime Minister upon special assignment from myself, including relations with Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA), and foreign countries including the U.S., while also serving as the person responsible for drafting the report to the IAEA, among other tasks. In the course of his activities, he has come to perceive in a most profound way the problems associated with current public administration of nuclear energy. I appointed Mr. Hosono, a young man of 39, to be Minister in expectation of his further efforts, to ensure we create a system that prevents the recurrence of a nuclear accident so that serious problems will never occur again in the future.
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