"Meeting with Dr. Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum"
On May 17 (Tuesday), Dr. Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, an organization which hosts the annual Davos meetings, paid a visit to the Prime Minister's Office. I had an opportunity to talk with the Chairman during a luncheon. Chairman Schwab had invited me to the Annual Davos Meeting 2011 held in January this year, where I delivered a speech as Prime Minister of Japan. In that speech, I introduced "kizuna" (bonds of friendship) as a term that best captures the Japanese spirit, and the Chairman said he was deeply impressed with this word. The latest earthquake has renewed my sense of the value of "kizuna" among the friends and acquaintances around the world, including Chairman Schwab.
During the Davos Meeting in January, Chairman Schwab set up a venue for me to exchange views with world's most prominent thought leaders, including Dr. Joseph Stiglitz, 2001 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences Laureate, Dr. Lawrence Summers, former Director of the U.S. National Economic Council, and Dr. George Soros, investment fund manager. As a leader of a country, in addition to summit meetings, I think it is important to have such a network where I can directly hear insightful opinions of world experts.
Chairman Schwab has now proposed to establish something like a Council of Eminent Persons as a venue to hold video teleconferences several times a year for valuable exchanges of opinions with world experts. In order not to misguide Japan in the era in which everything is globalizing, I am eager to expand the global intellectual network and make the best use of it as leader of the country.
segunda-feira, 23 de maio de 2011
terça-feira, 17 de maio de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (May 17, 2011)
"No. 19 [Visit] Evacuating the Town Near the Nuclear Power Station to Saitama Prefecture: Dialogue with Futaba Town Residents"
-Four hours behind schedule, Prime Minister Kan exited the evacuation center
Prime Minister: I was able to hear the stories of everyone in all the rooms.
--- Former Kisai High School in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture
Before the dialogue with the Prime Minister, the mayor shows consideration for the townspeople
Mayor of Futaba Town: Everyone, stretch out your legs. Please allow us to do the same.
At the evacuation center housing about 1,200 people, the mayor led the Prime Minister around from start to finish
People sat down on the tatami, face-to-face with the Prime Minister
Man 1: Is there any prospect that we will be able to return to Futaba Town, Fukushima Prefecture?
Prime Minister: That is the number one question I've received from everyone. Eventually I should be able to clearly tell you which places you can return to and which places you cannot.
Man 2: About the temporary visits, I'm hoping to bring back my parents' memorial tablet.
Man 3: At least you get to bring back the memorial tablet. I have no house or anything, everything was washed away.
Woman 1: My house was on the shore and was washed away. Still, I would like to go back at least once.
Mayor of Futaba Town: I'm sure you feel the same as others. You will not be barred (from temporary entries) because your house is gone. I hope you do go (to where your house was).
Man 4: I don't need temporary housing. I don't have anywhere to go back to anyway. I hope Futaba Town is created anew.
Without sitting down, a woman holds back her anger to make a plea
Woman 2: Are the Diet members thinking about us? About all of these many people who have been evacuated? It's hard to tell.
Prime Minister: I myself truly feel a sense of responsibility.
A woman says her husband works for the Tokyo Electric Power Company>
Woman 3: Although we worry that our husbands may one day fall gravely ill (due to the effects of radiation exposure), all that the families can do is see them off with a smile and tell them "Take care." Everyone is putting their lives on the line.
Prime Minister: I am grateful that he is truly putting his life on the line and working hard to cope with the nuclear reactor incident. Although I imagine things are tough for you now, please support your husband and stay strong.
Once again, sitting down on the tatami, face-to-face with the Prime Minister>
Woman 4: For example, just because my friend had an Iwaki license plate, an ice cream was thrown at the car.
Prime Minister: On as many occasions as possible, I will urge people not to say things which may hurt the feelings of others.
Mayor of Futaba Town: If it becomes intolerable, please do not hesitate to come to me and tell me. I will do something about it.
Woman 5: Even if shower rooms are set up, I think there are too many of us.
Governor of Saitama Prefecture: By May 20, sewer pipes will be fully installed. At the same time, bath tubs will be made available. May I ask for your patience a little while longer?
Man 5: Please do not leave office until the situation is settled. If the Prime Minister changes, there will again be chaos.
Prime Minister: I will not abandon my responsibilities no matter what.
Man 6: I really feel sorry for the children. Honestly what can we do?
Woman 6: I have a child in high school, and everything she had envisioned from university enrollment to job-hunting is beginning to crumble. Because of this incident, we are going to have to give up so much. No matter how much I lament, I cannot lament it enough.
Prime Minister: The Government will stand with you, and here Saitama will stand with you. We promise to do everything possible to help.
The Prime Minister answers questions from reporters
Reporter: You just concluded a five-hour visit. What is your reaction?
Prime Minister: I came away again feeling that we must work hard so that everyone will be able to resume his or her normal life as much as possible. In particular, people asked me, "What should we do for the future of the children?" These stories broke my heart most of all.
-Four hours behind schedule, Prime Minister Kan exited the evacuation center
Prime Minister: I was able to hear the stories of everyone in all the rooms.
--- Former Kisai High School in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture
Before the dialogue with the Prime Minister, the mayor shows consideration for the townspeople
Mayor of Futaba Town: Everyone, stretch out your legs. Please allow us to do the same.
At the evacuation center housing about 1,200 people, the mayor led the Prime Minister around from start to finish
People sat down on the tatami, face-to-face with the Prime Minister
Man 1: Is there any prospect that we will be able to return to Futaba Town, Fukushima Prefecture?
Prime Minister: That is the number one question I've received from everyone. Eventually I should be able to clearly tell you which places you can return to and which places you cannot.
Man 2: About the temporary visits, I'm hoping to bring back my parents' memorial tablet.
Man 3: At least you get to bring back the memorial tablet. I have no house or anything, everything was washed away.
Woman 1: My house was on the shore and was washed away. Still, I would like to go back at least once.
Mayor of Futaba Town: I'm sure you feel the same as others. You will not be barred (from temporary entries) because your house is gone. I hope you do go (to where your house was).
Man 4: I don't need temporary housing. I don't have anywhere to go back to anyway. I hope Futaba Town is created anew.
Without sitting down, a woman holds back her anger to make a plea
Woman 2: Are the Diet members thinking about us? About all of these many people who have been evacuated? It's hard to tell.
Prime Minister: I myself truly feel a sense of responsibility.
A woman says her husband works for the Tokyo Electric Power Company>
Woman 3: Although we worry that our husbands may one day fall gravely ill (due to the effects of radiation exposure), all that the families can do is see them off with a smile and tell them "Take care." Everyone is putting their lives on the line.
Prime Minister: I am grateful that he is truly putting his life on the line and working hard to cope with the nuclear reactor incident. Although I imagine things are tough for you now, please support your husband and stay strong.
Once again, sitting down on the tatami, face-to-face with the Prime Minister>
Woman 4: For example, just because my friend had an Iwaki license plate, an ice cream was thrown at the car.
Prime Minister: On as many occasions as possible, I will urge people not to say things which may hurt the feelings of others.
Mayor of Futaba Town: If it becomes intolerable, please do not hesitate to come to me and tell me. I will do something about it.
Woman 5: Even if shower rooms are set up, I think there are too many of us.
Governor of Saitama Prefecture: By May 20, sewer pipes will be fully installed. At the same time, bath tubs will be made available. May I ask for your patience a little while longer?
Man 5: Please do not leave office until the situation is settled. If the Prime Minister changes, there will again be chaos.
Prime Minister: I will not abandon my responsibilities no matter what.
Man 6: I really feel sorry for the children. Honestly what can we do?
Woman 6: I have a child in high school, and everything she had envisioned from university enrollment to job-hunting is beginning to crumble. Because of this incident, we are going to have to give up so much. No matter how much I lament, I cannot lament it enough.
Prime Minister: The Government will stand with you, and here Saitama will stand with you. We promise to do everything possible to help.
The Prime Minister answers questions from reporters
Reporter: You just concluded a five-hour visit. What is your reaction?
Prime Minister: I came away again feeling that we must work hard so that everyone will be able to resume his or her normal life as much as possible. In particular, people asked me, "What should we do for the future of the children?" These stories broke my heart most of all.
segunda-feira, 9 de maio de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (May 9, 2011)
"No. 18 [Visit] Fukushima Evacuation Centers, 41 Days After the Incident at the Nuclear Power Station"
--- Tamura City Gymnasium, Fukushima
A man confronts the Prime Minister to make a loud request
Man: I understand well that you are working hard, but you need to do more! Please work harder to bring the situation at the nuclear power station under stable control. Please!
The Prime Minister explains the no-entry zone to a woman kneeling formally alone in her room made out of cardboard
Prime Minister: While the Government draws up its plans, the police are working hard to stop burglars from entering the area and to keep a good watch on each neighborhood. We are currently making plans so that not too long from now, residents will be able to take turns making home visits.
Woman: I am grateful to hear it. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Prime Minister: No, it is I who should be thanking you.
A couple makes an appeal to the Prime Minister. At the back, their daughter holds her baby in her arms.
Woman: Please do something quickly. This isn't for us - we don't have very much longer to live. But the children still have their futures ahead of them. I'm sure your work is very difficult and you are working hard, but please do something to contain the situation at the nuclear power station.
Prime Minister: I can only imagine how difficult it must be to live in an evacuation center for so long. For the children as well I promise to do everything I can.
Man: Please do.
--- Big Palette Fukushima, Koriyama City, Fukushima (The next destination was a large facility housing about 1,500 people.)
One after another, people shout out requests and shake hands with the Prime Minister
Man: Please do something soon about the nuclear power station.
Prime Minister: I will work hard to bring the situation under stable control.
Woman: Please, let me visit my home.
Prime Minister: We are now drawing up plans for temporary visits.
Woman: Please let us go back home soon.
The Prime Minister speaks with a couple kneeling down formally
Prime Minister: I know things are very difficult right now.
Woman: Thank you for your concern. I'm glad.
Prime Minister: The Government and the country will do everything we can for you.
(Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Tetsuro Fukuyama: Please take care of yourself.)
A woman makes a crying plea to the Prime Minister
Woman: I want to go back home.
Man: We all want to go back home.
Prime Minister: It will take a little more time, but the Government is doing all that it can. I understand that things must be truly difficult right now.
A series of handshakes
There was one thing that the Prime Minister felt more strongly than anything else as each person approached to give him words of encouragement and shake his hand...
The Prime Minister answers questions from reporters at the evacuation center
Prime Minister: After going to the evacuation centers and listening to their stories, I asked myself whether I genuinely understood the feelings of everyone there. And I realized that we need to think about each issue more from the standpoint of the disaster victims. I strongly felt this yet again during this visit.
The Prime Minister speaks to an elderly man who gets up from his bed in tears
Prime Minister: No need to get up, you are fine where you are. Please take care of yourself.
Man: Thank you.
Prime Minister: It's truly tough right now, but please take care of yourself.
Young man next to the elderly man: We're counting on you.
Prime Minister: I'll do my best.
A man whose house is 65km from the evacuation center
Man: Mr. Prime Minister, please make Tomioka Town become as close as possible. Right now, my house is now farther away to me than the United States. If I wanted to go to the United States, I could fly there...
The following day's press conference at the Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister: "I can visit the United States in a little over 10 hours, but I may not be able to visit my own house in weeks, maybe even months. I want to go back home soon. Please help me." ...The Government must do everything in its power to help those who had to leave their homes... I felt this yet again very strongly during my trip.
--- Tamura City Gymnasium, Fukushima
A man confronts the Prime Minister to make a loud request
Man: I understand well that you are working hard, but you need to do more! Please work harder to bring the situation at the nuclear power station under stable control. Please!
The Prime Minister explains the no-entry zone to a woman kneeling formally alone in her room made out of cardboard
Prime Minister: While the Government draws up its plans, the police are working hard to stop burglars from entering the area and to keep a good watch on each neighborhood. We are currently making plans so that not too long from now, residents will be able to take turns making home visits.
Woman: I am grateful to hear it. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Prime Minister: No, it is I who should be thanking you.
A couple makes an appeal to the Prime Minister. At the back, their daughter holds her baby in her arms.
Woman: Please do something quickly. This isn't for us - we don't have very much longer to live. But the children still have their futures ahead of them. I'm sure your work is very difficult and you are working hard, but please do something to contain the situation at the nuclear power station.
Prime Minister: I can only imagine how difficult it must be to live in an evacuation center for so long. For the children as well I promise to do everything I can.
Man: Please do.
--- Big Palette Fukushima, Koriyama City, Fukushima (The next destination was a large facility housing about 1,500 people.)
One after another, people shout out requests and shake hands with the Prime Minister
Man: Please do something soon about the nuclear power station.
Prime Minister: I will work hard to bring the situation under stable control.
Woman: Please, let me visit my home.
Prime Minister: We are now drawing up plans for temporary visits.
Woman: Please let us go back home soon.
The Prime Minister speaks with a couple kneeling down formally
Prime Minister: I know things are very difficult right now.
Woman: Thank you for your concern. I'm glad.
Prime Minister: The Government and the country will do everything we can for you.
(Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Tetsuro Fukuyama: Please take care of yourself.)
A woman makes a crying plea to the Prime Minister
Woman: I want to go back home.
Man: We all want to go back home.
Prime Minister: It will take a little more time, but the Government is doing all that it can. I understand that things must be truly difficult right now.
A series of handshakes
There was one thing that the Prime Minister felt more strongly than anything else as each person approached to give him words of encouragement and shake his hand...
The Prime Minister answers questions from reporters at the evacuation center
Prime Minister: After going to the evacuation centers and listening to their stories, I asked myself whether I genuinely understood the feelings of everyone there. And I realized that we need to think about each issue more from the standpoint of the disaster victims. I strongly felt this yet again during this visit.
The Prime Minister speaks to an elderly man who gets up from his bed in tears
Prime Minister: No need to get up, you are fine where you are. Please take care of yourself.
Man: Thank you.
Prime Minister: It's truly tough right now, but please take care of yourself.
Young man next to the elderly man: We're counting on you.
Prime Minister: I'll do my best.
A man whose house is 65km from the evacuation center
Man: Mr. Prime Minister, please make Tomioka Town become as close as possible. Right now, my house is now farther away to me than the United States. If I wanted to go to the United States, I could fly there...
The following day's press conference at the Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister: "I can visit the United States in a little over 10 hours, but I may not be able to visit my own house in weeks, maybe even months. I want to go back home soon. Please help me." ...The Government must do everything in its power to help those who had to leave their homes... I felt this yet again very strongly during my trip.
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (May 6, 2011)
"Moving forward through all political parties acting in unity"
Today, the first supplementary budget for earthquake disaster recovery was passed. Although a range of views emerged from the various political parties, it was endorsed by all of them upon understanding the urgent need for it. From now, I will finally be dedicating my utmost efforts even further to the creation of a system for full-fledged reconstruction and to tackling the numerous issues related to the nuclear accident.
"With determination to move forward and a spirit of mourning"
The string of holidays known as Golden Week begins tomorrow. For those who are planning to use this opportunity to go to the areas stricken by the earthquake disaster for volunteer activities, I strongly encourage you to head to these areas after thoroughly conducting your preparations and collecting information.
The Reconstruction Action Campaign, to be unfurled nationally today, supports the disaster-stricken areas from Japan as a whole by calling on people to refrain from excessive self-restraint and to take other actions. The government is also among the supporters of these areas through this campaign and we will emphatically support these efforts. In addition, the Reconstruction Design Council is scheduled to hold its third meeting the day after tomorrow.
In this way, even as recovery and reconstruction are beginning to move forward step by step, what always resurface in my mind are the victims of that day and their families. I also think of the people who are desperately continuing their search for family members who remain unaccounted for even now. It is certain that there are a very substantial number of people who since March 11 cannot easily reach a state of mind whereby they can begin to move forward. I feel that very poignantly every time I visit the affected areas.
I understand that today, a great many temples all around the country rang "bells of prayers and hope" at 2:46 PM, the time at which the earthquake struck, as today is the 49th day since people fell victim to the disaster, an important memorial day for the deceased in Buddhism. In the office, I too closed my eyes in remembrance of those victims, with a spirit of determination towards reconstruction.
From tomorrow, I will be engaged in Diet deliberations on the draft of the first supplementary budget for reconstruction. I will devote my utmost efforts to bring about its enactment on May 2.
Today, the first supplementary budget for earthquake disaster recovery was passed. Although a range of views emerged from the various political parties, it was endorsed by all of them upon understanding the urgent need for it. From now, I will finally be dedicating my utmost efforts even further to the creation of a system for full-fledged reconstruction and to tackling the numerous issues related to the nuclear accident.
"With determination to move forward and a spirit of mourning"
The string of holidays known as Golden Week begins tomorrow. For those who are planning to use this opportunity to go to the areas stricken by the earthquake disaster for volunteer activities, I strongly encourage you to head to these areas after thoroughly conducting your preparations and collecting information.
The Reconstruction Action Campaign, to be unfurled nationally today, supports the disaster-stricken areas from Japan as a whole by calling on people to refrain from excessive self-restraint and to take other actions. The government is also among the supporters of these areas through this campaign and we will emphatically support these efforts. In addition, the Reconstruction Design Council is scheduled to hold its third meeting the day after tomorrow.
In this way, even as recovery and reconstruction are beginning to move forward step by step, what always resurface in my mind are the victims of that day and their families. I also think of the people who are desperately continuing their search for family members who remain unaccounted for even now. It is certain that there are a very substantial number of people who since March 11 cannot easily reach a state of mind whereby they can begin to move forward. I feel that very poignantly every time I visit the affected areas.
I understand that today, a great many temples all around the country rang "bells of prayers and hope" at 2:46 PM, the time at which the earthquake struck, as today is the 49th day since people fell victim to the disaster, an important memorial day for the deceased in Buddhism. In the office, I too closed my eyes in remembrance of those victims, with a spirit of determination towards reconstruction.
From tomorrow, I will be engaged in Diet deliberations on the draft of the first supplementary budget for reconstruction. I will devote my utmost efforts to bring about its enactment on May 2.
segunda-feira, 2 de maio de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (April 27, 2011)
"No. 17 [Visit] Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture: One Month After the Earthquake"
Woman: We are counting on you to help us.
Prime Minister: I will carry out measures resolutely.
Fisherman: I'm counting on you, Prime Minister.
Mr. Kameyama, Mayor of Ishinomaki City: I believe employment protection measures are what is most needed right now.
Mr. Abe, Mayor of Higashimatsushima City: Now's the time for the Government to step in. I hope you will lend us your support, as surely there will be no recovery and reconstruction without national-level efforts to get through this disaster.
Radio DJ: After this, Prime Minister Kan will visit places around the city and observe the situation of our towns.
Prime Minister: Hello everyone in Ishinomaki. This is Naoto Kan, the Prime Minister. It is my earnest hope that you will make strides on the road to recovery. The Government will do everything in its power and stand with you as you take these steps.
Prime Minister: I can only imagine what you are going through...
House of Representatives member Jun Azumi: This is the main plant of Maruha Nichiro Foods, Inc. The inside is completely damaged.
Woman A: I hope you will do what you have to in order to achieve an early recovery.
Woman B: (Holding onto the Prime Minister's hand) Please make sure that someday everyone can become happy.
Prime Minister: The personnel at (SDF) Matsushima Air Base were saying it had no water service. How is the situation in the prefecture?
Mr. Murai, Governor of Miyagi Prefecture: Much of the lifeline services have been disrupted. Water service has stopped, and gas service has stopped.
Mr. Murai, Governor of Miyagi Prefecture: First, the Prime Minister's visit helps to reassure the people of this area. I also believe if the Prime Minister sees for himself the devastation that was brought about, the Government's response would be different. Thus, I am truly grateful that he came here.
Man: May I ask you to get off for a moment?
Prime Minister: Thanks for your hard work!
Residents: Oh! Mr. Kan!
SDF member: (Explaining the work) The SDF and police clear away the rubble like over there.
Prime Minister: I am truly proud that you members of the police and SDF are working so hard in response to disasters of this magnitude, without sparing yourselves. Hang in there. Your hard work is very much appreciated.
Police and others: Thank you.
Prime Minister: Thank YOU!
(no image/only subtitles) "I don't know how we will live from now on." -- A woman in her 80s tells the Prime Minister.
House of Representatives member Jun Azumi: The fishing boats in Miyagi Prefecture have been severely damaged...
Prime Minister: How are you getting through it? How are you really doing?
A member of the fishing industry: Cars as well as debris are scattered across the ocean. Instead of shifting the responsibility from one place to another, I hope work gets underway quickly to remove the debris from the fishing areas and sea routes.
Prime Minister and members of the fishing industry: (In unison) Ganbaro, Ishinomaki! (Let's do our best, Ishinomaki!) Ganbaro!
Woman: We are counting on you to help us.
Prime Minister: I will carry out measures resolutely.
Fisherman: I'm counting on you, Prime Minister.
Mr. Kameyama, Mayor of Ishinomaki City: I believe employment protection measures are what is most needed right now.
Mr. Abe, Mayor of Higashimatsushima City: Now's the time for the Government to step in. I hope you will lend us your support, as surely there will be no recovery and reconstruction without national-level efforts to get through this disaster.
Radio DJ: After this, Prime Minister Kan will visit places around the city and observe the situation of our towns.
Prime Minister: Hello everyone in Ishinomaki. This is Naoto Kan, the Prime Minister. It is my earnest hope that you will make strides on the road to recovery. The Government will do everything in its power and stand with you as you take these steps.
Prime Minister: I can only imagine what you are going through...
House of Representatives member Jun Azumi: This is the main plant of Maruha Nichiro Foods, Inc. The inside is completely damaged.
Woman A: I hope you will do what you have to in order to achieve an early recovery.
Woman B: (Holding onto the Prime Minister's hand) Please make sure that someday everyone can become happy.
Prime Minister: The personnel at (SDF) Matsushima Air Base were saying it had no water service. How is the situation in the prefecture?
Mr. Murai, Governor of Miyagi Prefecture: Much of the lifeline services have been disrupted. Water service has stopped, and gas service has stopped.
Mr. Murai, Governor of Miyagi Prefecture: First, the Prime Minister's visit helps to reassure the people of this area. I also believe if the Prime Minister sees for himself the devastation that was brought about, the Government's response would be different. Thus, I am truly grateful that he came here.
Man: May I ask you to get off for a moment?
Prime Minister: Thanks for your hard work!
Residents: Oh! Mr. Kan!
SDF member: (Explaining the work) The SDF and police clear away the rubble like over there.
Prime Minister: I am truly proud that you members of the police and SDF are working so hard in response to disasters of this magnitude, without sparing yourselves. Hang in there. Your hard work is very much appreciated.
Police and others: Thank you.
Prime Minister: Thank YOU!
House of Representatives member Jun Azumi: The fishing boats in Miyagi Prefecture have been severely damaged...
Prime Minister: How are you getting through it? How are you really doing?
A member of the fishing industry: Cars as well as debris are scattered across the ocean. Instead of shifting the responsibility from one place to another, I hope work gets underway quickly to remove the debris from the fishing areas and sea routes.
Prime Minister and members of the fishing industry: (In unison) Ganbaro, Ishinomaki! (Let's do our best, Ishinomaki!) Ganbaro!
terça-feira, 19 de abril de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (April 18, 2011)
"Launch of the Reconstruction Design Council"
Yesterday, the first meeting of the Reconstruction Design Council in Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake was held. I truly appreciated the Council members readily agreeing to participate despite the very sudden request.
Participants included a number of persons associated with the Tohoku region in addition to the governors of the disaster-affected areas. Professor Takeshi Umehara, who is serving as Special Advisor to the Council, is often thought of as a Kyotoite, but in fact he too was born in Sendai and comes from a long line of fishermen. Professor Umehara delivered his opening remarks in front of a virtual forest of press cameras, saying, "I feel it would be appropriate to devote the remainder of my life to the interests of the country," and "Just coming from Kyoto to Tokyo for a meeting once a week is quite trivial. Such things are a walk in the park when you consider the people suffering in the disaster-stricken areas." To hear such a strong expression of determination and enthusiasm from such a distinguished man I respect deeply brought a lump in my throat. (This is also the subject of a video segment of the Japanese Government Internet TV, and I encourage you to watch it.)
While this meeting has enjoyed brisk exchanges of views from the start, I have asked the Council members to continue in the future each to express what they are thinking and what they envision without restraint or modification. I also hope to participate in this meeting to give my ideas and pose various questions to the Council, so as to glean proposals that foster dreams and harbor hope. Rather than "recovery" to merely return the affected areas to their former state, we will without fail "create" a Tohoku, and indeed a Japan, that is more marvelous than before.
Reconstruction Design Council in Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake (Japanese Only)
Publication : Cabinet Public Relations Office
1-6-1 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8968, Japan
Yesterday, the first meeting of the Reconstruction Design Council in Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake was held. I truly appreciated the Council members readily agreeing to participate despite the very sudden request.
Participants included a number of persons associated with the Tohoku region in addition to the governors of the disaster-affected areas. Professor Takeshi Umehara, who is serving as Special Advisor to the Council, is often thought of as a Kyotoite, but in fact he too was born in Sendai and comes from a long line of fishermen. Professor Umehara delivered his opening remarks in front of a virtual forest of press cameras, saying, "I feel it would be appropriate to devote the remainder of my life to the interests of the country," and "Just coming from Kyoto to Tokyo for a meeting once a week is quite trivial. Such things are a walk in the park when you consider the people suffering in the disaster-stricken areas." To hear such a strong expression of determination and enthusiasm from such a distinguished man I respect deeply brought a lump in my throat. (This is also the subject of a video segment of the Japanese Government Internet TV, and I encourage you to watch it.)
While this meeting has enjoyed brisk exchanges of views from the start, I have asked the Council members to continue in the future each to express what they are thinking and what they envision without restraint or modification. I also hope to participate in this meeting to give my ideas and pose various questions to the Council, so as to glean proposals that foster dreams and harbor hope. Rather than "recovery" to merely return the affected areas to their former state, we will without fail "create" a Tohoku, and indeed a Japan, that is more marvelous than before.
Reconstruction Design Council in Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake (Japanese Only)
Publication : Cabinet Public Relations Office
1-6-1 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8968, Japan
quinta-feira, 14 de abril de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (April 14, 2011)
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Prime Minister KAN's BLOG "Looking Squarely at the Future" (Posted on April 13)
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"As the tense situation continues, moving from excessive self- restraint to a design of reconstruction"
Since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, I have held back from sending out my thoughts through my blog. This was to avoid confusion amidst the ongoing flurry of large amounts of information, while I dedicated myself entirely to responses to the disaster. With a tense situation continuing even now, a month since the disaster toward the future while I will continue to devote my energies to responses to the earthquake disaster and the nuclear accidents, I will resume blogging little by little. At yesterday's press conference, I called on the public to refrain from a mood of excessive self-restraint while maintaining a spirit of thoughtful compassion towards the disaster-stricken areas. A mood of excessive self-restraint could reduce consumption and dampen the business activity of Japan as a whole. Conversely, purchasing products from disaster-stricken areas and enjoying them would help support the affected areas.
Tomorrow the Reconstruction Design Council will hold its first session. Professor Takeshi Umehara, Special Advisor to the Meeting, and I will join with the 15 committee members to launch discussions that look squarely to the future.
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Notification from the Cabinet Public Relations Office of the Resumption of Prime Minister KAN's Blog
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We offer our heartfelt condolences to those who perished in the Great East Japan Earthquake and their families, as well as our deepest sympathy for everyone affected by this disaster and those still living away from their homes.
Since the occurrence of the earthquake on March 11, the Cabinet Public Relations Office has established the following media outlets to provide the people with information related to the earthquake.
- [Website] Disaster countermeasures page within the official website http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/incident/index.html
- [Twitter] JPN_PMO Twitter for disaster-related information http://twitter.com/#!/JPN_PMO
- [Facebook] Prime Minister's Office of Japan Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Japan.PMO
Meanwhile, as we were all committed to the prompt delivery of disaster information through these media outlets, Prime Minister KAN's Blog was forced to be suspended for some time. We sincerely apologize to the readers for suspending it without explanation.
With more than a month having passed since the earthquake, we are gradually resuming the publication of Prime Minister KAN's Blog starting from today, in order to explain in a straightforward manner Prime Minister Kan's thoughts and the efforts taken by the Government, including those related to the disaster. Please look forward to new updates.
Information related to the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear incident will continue to be delivered through multiple channels, including the aforementioned media outlets.
Prime Minister KAN's BLOG "Looking Squarely at the Future" (Posted on April 13)
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"As the tense situation continues, moving from excessive self- restraint to a design of reconstruction"
Since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, I have held back from sending out my thoughts through my blog. This was to avoid confusion amidst the ongoing flurry of large amounts of information, while I dedicated myself entirely to responses to the disaster. With a tense situation continuing even now, a month since the disaster toward the future while I will continue to devote my energies to responses to the earthquake disaster and the nuclear accidents, I will resume blogging little by little. At yesterday's press conference, I called on the public to refrain from a mood of excessive self-restraint while maintaining a spirit of thoughtful compassion towards the disaster-stricken areas. A mood of excessive self-restraint could reduce consumption and dampen the business activity of Japan as a whole. Conversely, purchasing products from disaster-stricken areas and enjoying them would help support the affected areas.
Tomorrow the Reconstruction Design Council will hold its first session. Professor Takeshi Umehara, Special Advisor to the Meeting, and I will join with the 15 committee members to launch discussions that look squarely to the future.
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Notification from the Cabinet Public Relations Office of the Resumption of Prime Minister KAN's Blog
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We offer our heartfelt condolences to those who perished in the Great East Japan Earthquake and their families, as well as our deepest sympathy for everyone affected by this disaster and those still living away from their homes.
Since the occurrence of the earthquake on March 11, the Cabinet Public Relations Office has established the following media outlets to provide the people with information related to the earthquake.
- [Website] Disaster countermeasures page within the official website http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/incident/index.html
- [Twitter] JPN_PMO Twitter for disaster-related information http://twitter.com/#!/JPN_PMO
- [Facebook] Prime Minister's Office of Japan Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Japan.PMO
Meanwhile, as we were all committed to the prompt delivery of disaster information through these media outlets, Prime Minister KAN's Blog was forced to be suspended for some time. We sincerely apologize to the readers for suspending it without explanation.
With more than a month having passed since the earthquake, we are gradually resuming the publication of Prime Minister KAN's Blog starting from today, in order to explain in a straightforward manner Prime Minister Kan's thoughts and the efforts taken by the Government, including those related to the disaster. Please look forward to new updates.
Information related to the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear incident will continue to be delivered through multiple channels, including the aforementioned media outlets.
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