Summary of the Major Policy Outlook from the First Policy Speech

Prime Minister Suga outlined eight major policies in his first policy speech to the Diet on October 26, 2020.

1. Tackling the novel coronavirus

Balance novel coronavirus countermeasures and economic activities, protect employment, and ensure that businesses can sustain their operations while preventing explosive outbreaks through measures to prevent infections.
 

2. Digital transformation

Carry out regulatory reforms under an agency in charge of digital transformation while heading towards a “with corona” and post-coronavirus society.
 

3. Becoming carbon neutral by 2050

Aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero.
 

4. Creating vibrant communities

Areas outside of Greater Tokyo account for 70% of consumption. Increase incomes in these areas through agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industry reforms and restoration of tourism demand.
 

5. Creating new flows of people

Aim to create new flows of people from urban to rural areas and between companies, including to small- and medium-sized enterprises and startups, opening up a path for future growth. Welcome finance-sector professionals from overseas, aiming to be a global financial center.
 

6. Reforming social security

Aim to eliminate the number of children who must wait to receive childcare arrangements, promote the taking of childcare leave by male employees, make fertility treatments covered by public health insurance, and allow online medical consultations on a permanent basis, among other initiatives.
 

7. Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake

Aim to undertake reconstruction and revival of Tohoku with an even greater sense of speed. Advance the development of national land structures that are resistant to natural disasters.
 

8. Promoting proactive diplomacy

Aim to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law; promote proactive diplomacy at the summit level.