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.
segunda-feira, 25 de julho de 2011
"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.
sexta-feira, 1 de julho de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (June 30, 2011)
"No. 22 [Reform] Giving Strong Support to NPO Activities: Passage of a 'Groundbreaking System'!"
President of the House of Councilors: The bill is passed by a majority of the House.
January 24, PM's Policy Speech
Prime Minister: We will introduce a groundbreaking system in the upcoming fiscal year by which, if you make a donation to groups taking on this "New Public Commons," such as certified non-profit organizations, the donation will be eligible as a tax deduction!
Groundbreaking tax reform for charitable donations as mentioned by Prime Minister Kan in his speech to the Diet.
This has been an issue since the Hatoyama Administration, and the revised tax law was finally approved and passed on June 22.
When you make a donation to a certified NPO, just under half the amount you donate will be deductible from income and resident's taxes.
This will mean that approximately half of your donation is made by the central and local government.
The current status of many NPOs...
Woman: Yes, this is Child Line.
Child Line offers a free-dial phone service for any children under 18 to call and discuss their worries. The number of calls has been increasing each year. However...
Kumi Ota, Secretary-General, Child Line Support Center
Ms. Ota: We are in an increasingly difficult position as the number of calls increases.
The average annual budget for Child Line in each region across the nation is just less than 2 million yen. Behind the desire to help children is the burden of covering the costs of the free-dial number.
Ms. Ota: So that we can enable children to freely use the Child Line services, we need support from the general public.
This financial situation contrasts with the international citizens' group World Vision, which also works to help children. Most of its financial resources are donations collected by its offices worldwide.
Nobuhiko Katayama, Secretary General, World Vision Japan
Mr. Katayama: World Vision in Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan are each collecting between 7 and 10 billion yen in their countries and regions.
However, the country in the number one spot for donations is this country!
Mr. Katayama: In the United States, if you register a citizens' organization you are immediately eligible for tax relief and it is a very simple system. World Vision Japan still has a long way to go!
The United States has long-ago introduced a more advanced system for making donations tax deductible than the one Japan has just introduced.
When he was still a freshman Diet member, Prime Minister Kan visited a number of citizens' groups in the U.S.
Excerpt from a report explaining financial resources for citizens' groups.
Report excerpt: About the group known as "Common Cause"
When I asked about funding I was told that 225,000 members donate $20 a year, making a total of $4.5 million (approx. 950 million yen at that time) of operating income each year.
The young Diet member Naoto Kan was impressed by the financial resources of citizens' groups in the U.S., which are supported by generous donations. So, after 30 years, will NPO activities in Japan finally change too?
Work in other areas/"Livelihood Support Handbook vol. 2" for disaster victims
Child Line is also working on mental care for the children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Ms. Ota: The children can't sleep and are afraid of the dark, but don't feel that they can talk about their feelings in such a disaster situation.
Now is when funds are truly needed!
We hope that the revision to the tax system will help Child Line and others.
Ms. Ota: If we can receive a donation of \1000, we can talk to a child for (approximately) 60 minutes. I think that the change to the law will be very significant for us.
President of the House of Councilors: The bill is passed by a majority of the House.
January 24, PM's Policy Speech
Prime Minister: We will introduce a groundbreaking system in the upcoming fiscal year by which, if you make a donation to groups taking on this "New Public Commons," such as certified non-profit organizations, the donation will be eligible as a tax deduction!
Groundbreaking tax reform for charitable donations as mentioned by Prime Minister Kan in his speech to the Diet.
This has been an issue since the Hatoyama Administration, and the revised tax law was finally approved and passed on June 22.
When you make a donation to a certified NPO, just under half the amount you donate will be deductible from income and resident's taxes.
This will mean that approximately half of your donation is made by the central and local government.
The current status of many NPOs...
Woman: Yes, this is Child Line.
Child Line offers a free-dial phone service for any children under 18 to call and discuss their worries. The number of calls has been increasing each year. However...
Kumi Ota, Secretary-General, Child Line Support Center
Ms. Ota: We are in an increasingly difficult position as the number of calls increases.
The average annual budget for Child Line in each region across the nation is just less than 2 million yen. Behind the desire to help children is the burden of covering the costs of the free-dial number.
Ms. Ota: So that we can enable children to freely use the Child Line services, we need support from the general public.
This financial situation contrasts with the international citizens' group World Vision, which also works to help children. Most of its financial resources are donations collected by its offices worldwide.
Nobuhiko Katayama, Secretary General, World Vision Japan
Mr. Katayama: World Vision in Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan are each collecting between 7 and 10 billion yen in their countries and regions.
However, the country in the number one spot for donations is this country!
Mr. Katayama: In the United States, if you register a citizens' organization you are immediately eligible for tax relief and it is a very simple system. World Vision Japan still has a long way to go!
The United States has long-ago introduced a more advanced system for making donations tax deductible than the one Japan has just introduced.
When he was still a freshman Diet member, Prime Minister Kan visited a number of citizens' groups in the U.S.
Excerpt from a report explaining financial resources for citizens' groups.
Report excerpt: About the group known as "Common Cause"
When I asked about funding I was told that 225,000 members donate $20 a year, making a total of $4.5 million (approx. 950 million yen at that time) of operating income each year.
The young Diet member Naoto Kan was impressed by the financial resources of citizens' groups in the U.S., which are supported by generous donations. So, after 30 years, will NPO activities in Japan finally change too?
Work in other areas/"Livelihood Support Handbook vol. 2" for disaster victims
Child Line is also working on mental care for the children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Ms. Ota: The children can't sleep and are afraid of the dark, but don't feel that they can talk about their feelings in such a disaster situation.
Now is when funds are truly needed!
We hope that the revision to the tax system will help Child Line and others.
Ms. Ota: If we can receive a donation of \1000, we can talk to a child for (approximately) 60 minutes. I think that the change to the law will be very significant for us.
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