Visit to Ehime Prefecture to Inspect the State of the Damage Caused by the Heavy Rain of July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Friday, July 13, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 13, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Ehime Prefecture to inspect the state of the damage caused by the heavy rain of July 2018.
The Prime Minister first visited a site affected by flooding in Seiyo City and encouraged Self-Defense Force units providing water supply assistance.
Subsequently, the Prime Minister visited an overtopping point of Ozu City (the upstream edge of the Higashi Ozu Interim Embankment). In addition, the Prime Minister visited Taira Kominkan (Community Learning Center), which is serving as an evacuation center, where he listened to evacuees.
Afterwards, in Uwajima City, the Prime Minister also listened to evacuees at Yoshida Kominkan, which is serving as an evacuation center, and then encouraged Self-Defense Forces units providing bathing support.
Following that, the Prime Minister exchanged views with Mr. Tokihiro Nakamura, Governor of Ehime Prefecture, Mr. Fumiaki Okahara, Mayor of Uwajima City, and others, and received a written request from the Governor.
After the visit, the Prime Minister said,
“First, I would like to pray for peace for the souls of those who lost their lives in the recent heavy rain and offer my deepest condolences to their bereaved families. I would also like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to all who have been affected by this disaster. We will exert all of our efforts to search for the missing people.
A short while ago, I saw the state of the tremendous ravages with my very own eyes. I also heard from the evacuees about their earnest wishes and specific needs regarding their daily lives at the evacuation centers. The Government will respond promptly with the intention of doing everything in its power, while being mindful of the feelings of those affected.
With regard to the water discharge from the Nomura Dam, I have been briefed that these responses were taken in accordance with operational rules amidst a pressing situation where the dam could collapse. I have also realized that there are various views towards it. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will conduct a thorough investigation and make swift improvements wherever necessary.
The situation will change every moment as people live in evacuation centers for a prolonged period. The Government will adapt its assistance to meet these changes; it must also provide such assistance in advance..
The evacuation centers I visited earlier had cardboard beds designed to absorb vibrations. I was briefed that these beds were arranged by Ehime Prefecture. The Government itself has also shipped and provided cardboard beds and air mattresses through push-mode support, and will step up our efforts further to ship and provide them to evacuation centers accordingly.
We will continue to devote every effort to provide supports for the daily lives of those affected and for rebuilding their lives.
At an evacuation center in Okayama Prefecture that I visited two days ago, some evacuees requested the Government to provide more information, stating that it may help ease their concerns if the Government tells them what supports are being provided or will be provided and how the infrastructure will be restored. Therefore, today, a webpage has been created on the Prime Minister’s Office website that compiles and provides information accurately and swiftly concerning supports for the daily lives of those affected, including the provision of necessities such as water, the inventory status of convenience stores and supermarkets, supports to assist them, the state of bathing and medical supports, the status of the preparations for temporary housing, and the outlook regarding the restoration of water service, roads, and railway service. I encourage everyone to make use of this webpage.
The Government will continue to work together with prefectures and municipalities in exerting its fullest efforts to ensure that those affected can return to their daily lives with peace of mind at the earliest possible date, with the intention of doing everything possible and taking responses in anticipation of future changes in the situation.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Eighth Meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Monday, July 16, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 16, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the eighth meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“In the affected areas, persistent efforts are under way amidst the extreme heat, including search activities by front-line personnel, various work to restore infrastructure, such as water and railway services and roads, as well as cleanup activities of affected housing with the cooperation of volunteers. I would like to express my sincere respect and appreciation to everyone involved. I ask that everyone please be careful of heatstroke during their activities.
The people affected have many concerns related to rebuilding their lives and restoring their ‘nariwai’ (occupations and livelihoods that sustain people’s daily lives). In the affected areas in Okayama and Ehime, I heard directly from farmers and shop members who suffered catastrophic damages regarding their anxiety over the unforeseen situation. The Government will make every effort to support affected agricultural, forestry and fishery businesses as well as micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to dispel their concerns and ensure that they can move a step forward towards resuming their operations. To this end, we have compiled the first batch of support measures today.
For the affected agricultural, forestry and fishery businesses, we will implement immediate assistance, including swift restoration of destroyed farmlands and waterways, prompt payment of agricultural mutual aid funds to those who suffered damages, interest-free disaster-related loans over five years, and assistance for the introduction of agricultural machinery essential for resuming agricultural operations.
For micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, we will implement measures such as financial supports, including a grace period for debt repayment and other additional measures as well as expansion of loans for micro enterprise mutual aid policyholders. We will assign one government official in charge for each company and provide custom-made supports carefully tailored to their respective needs.
Following the first batch of measures, we will continue to listen to the voices on the ground in order to respond to diverse needs and take additional measures depending on the state of damage. Speed is everything. I ask relevant ministers to carry out reviews and compile measures swiftly.
I will exert every effort to ensure that the affected agricultural, forestry and fishery businesses and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises can take steps towards recovery with a forward-looking attitude, and get on the path towards resuming their operations and rebuilding their businesses as quickly as possible.
I will continue to take measures that are more concrete and provide a clearer picture of the future for implementing emergency response and recovery work in the affected areas, rebuilding the lives of those affected, and restoring their ‘nariwai’ at the earliest possible date, from the standpoint of the people affected and following through with the front-line approach. I would like to ask for your continued cooperation and efforts.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Seventh Meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Sunday, July 15, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 15, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the seventh meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“Amidst the extreme heat, those who are being affected by the disaster and forced to lead hard lives are facing ever more challenging circumstances with the passage of time. I would like to ask that you are particularly mindful of the improvement of their living environment. In the affected areas, we are seeing steady and definite progress with the restoration of lifelines, including the recovery from power outages and the opening of all sections of the San-yo Expressway. In addition, today, we will begin accepting applications for provisional temporary housing. The people affected hope most of all to get on the path towards rebuilding their lives and restoring ‘nariwai’ (occupations and livelihoods that sustain people’s daily lives) as quickly as possible, and I would like to ask all of you to exert every effort to this end.
In this light, we have carried out a series of assessments to designate the recent disaster as a ‘Disaster of Extreme Severity’ at the earliest date possible. We are now set to designate the latest series of natural disasters as Disasters of Extreme Severity. Specifically, we will apply measures on a nationwide basis, including raising the subsidy rate for disaster response and recovery projects focused on roads, rivers, agricultural land, and facilities for joint use of the agriculture, forestry and fishery industries, and provision of disaster-related credit guarantees for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We will also accelerate required assessments in the remaining areas. I will exert utmost efforts to ensure that the affected municipalities can swiftly engage in disaster response and recovery work with peace of mind, without worrying about their fiscal conditions or budgetary matters, and that those affected can return to their daily lives with peace of mind at the earliest possible date.
I asked Minister Okonogi to take part in the planned visit to Hiroshima today. I will certainly visit Hiroshima at a later date. I will also continue to exert every effort for implementing emergency response and recovery work in the affected areas, rebuilding the lives of those affected, and restoring ‘nariwai’ at the earliest possible date, from the standpoint of the people affected and following through with the front-line approach. I would like to ask for your continued cooperation and efforts.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Sixth Meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Saturday, July 14, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 14, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the sixth meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“Yesterday, I visited some of the affected areas in Ehime Prefecture and listened to the earnest wishes and specific needs from evacuees related to their lives at evacuation centers. I also saw the hardships of those affected, who were cleaning up their homes, amidst the intense heat, as well as volunteers who were dedicating themselves to support those affected, and officials and persons in charge working hard to respond to the situation. It reminds me of the importance of overcoming this disaster through the united efforts of everyone involved while responding immediately to the needs on the ground, which are changing every moment, in order to ensure that those affected can rebuild their lives at the earliest possible date.
Through these visits, I am especially and strongly aware of the necessity to make many more people better informed of the assistance schemes available for those affected by natural disasters. With regard to Disaster Victim Certificates, for example, the Government has been constantly taking steps to make the damage certification assessments more efficient and faster in light of recent disasters, such as the heavy rains in Kanto and Tohoku in 2015 and the heavy rain in northern Kyushu last year. Specifically, we have greatly simplified the procedures such that a house would be considered ‘totally destroyed’ if floodwaters rise to 1.8 meters or higher above floor level, and if the damage covers a large area, an entire area would be considered ‘totally destroyed’ based on a sample survey of houses located in the four cardinal points of the area.
Disaster Victim Certificates are necessary to be eligible to move into temporary housing and receive support grants for reconstructing livelihoods and other assistance. The certificates provide the basis from which the people affected rebuild their lives. We will exert every effort to increase public awareness of these schemes and intensify our efforts to dispatch national and local government personnel to support affected municipalities, so that those affected can obtain Disaster Victim Certificates as early as possible and get off to a quick start towards rebuilding their lives.
In addition, today we will designate the recent disaster as a ‘specified disaster’ with a Cabinet decision to protect the rights of the affected people. This will allow those who cannot renew their driver’s license to extend its expiration date. It will also allow the affected people to receive free legal services (Japan Legal Support Center) for various legal issues that arise in the aftermath of a disaster.
We are also making steady progress with the restoration of lifelines, including the opening of all sections of the San-yo Expressway at 6:00 am this morning. Tomorrow, circumstances permitting, I plan to visit some of the affected areas in Hiroshima Prefecture to inspect the state of damage, as well as listen to the needs of the affected people and municipalities. I will continue to make every effort for implementing emergency response and recovery work in the affected areas as well as rebuilding the lives of those affected at the earliest possible date, from the standpoint of the people affected and focusing attention on the front-lines. I would like to ask for your continued cooperation and efforts.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Fifth Meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Friday, July 13, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 13, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the fifth meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“A week has passed since the record-breaking heavy rain and, to this day, amidst the extreme heat, front-line personnel continue to devote every effort to search for people whose safety has not been confirmed in the affected areas.
We have promoted push-mode support to assist the procurement of emergency supplies needed by the people affected by the Government’s discretion. At the Cabinet meeting which will be held shortly afterwards, we will approve the use of the contingency fund on the scale of approximately 2 billion yen. In addition, we will also approve today the moving up of the provision of regular local allocation tax totaling approximately 35 billion yen to the 58 affected municipalities that have submitted requests. I would like the affected municipalities to dedicate all of their efforts to the emergency response and recovery work, without worrying about their fiscal conditions and any hesitation about budgetary matters.
As of yesterday, disaster volunteer centers have been established in 57 municipalities, and more than 5,500 people are already volunteering in the affected areas. I would like to express my sincere respect and appreciation to the volunteers. With the three-day weekend starting tomorrow, many more volunteers will very likely head to the affected areas. I would like to ask that activities coordinated among the public and private sectors be undertaken for the affected areas, while giving due consideration to the necessary safety equipment and health management to prevent heatstroke.
Later today, I will visit some of the affected areas in Ehime Prefecture. I will hear directly from those affected as well as members of the affected municipalities to grasp the needs on the ground. I ask that everyone continue to make every effort for the emergency response and recovery work in the affected areas as well as rebuilding the lives of those affected from their standpoint, while focusing attention on the front-lines.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Fourth Meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Thursday, July 12, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 12, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the fourth meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“In response to the heavy rain of July 2018, many front-line personnel continue to devote every effort to search for the large number of people whose safety has not been confirmed following the recent heavy rain of July 2018.
Yesterday, I visited some of the affected areas in Okayama Prefecture and had seen for myself the tremendous ravages. I had several opportunities to hear directly from those affected, and I now feel even more committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that they can return to their daily lives with peace of mind at the earliest possible date. I am asking all of you to identify swiftly and respond immediately to the needs on the ground, which are changing every moment.
Amidst the extreme heat, the Government is exerting its fullest efforts so that those affected can leave their restricted lives in evacuation centers as soon as possible. With the cooperation of All Japan Ryokan Hotel Association, we have secured rooms for 800 people. Some, mainly the elderly, are already moving to these new accommodations. In addition, we have already secured 17,000 units of public housing, Urban Renaissance Agency housing, as well as civil servant housing, along with 54,000 units of private-sector rental housing mainly in the affected area. We will now begin accepting applications for these units.
In Mabi Town, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, where one-third of the community was affected by the flooding, had flood waters mostly removed from residential areas and community roadways with 24-hours a day drainage activities. I saw those residents affected were forced to work hard to remove the rubble. It is expected that large amounts of disaster-related waste be generated in each affected community; the Government has commenced the assistance of affected prefectures through the dispatch of local support teams comprised of officials from the Ministry of the Environment and other experts in the related fields. We will provide fiscal support for the disposal of disaster-related waste and the restoration of disposal facilities damaged in the floods. I ask all of you respond promptly from the standpoint of those who affected, such as with the transportation provided by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), allocating of garbage collection vehicles provided by local governments throughout Japan, and coordination of wide-area disposal.
The restoration of distribution networks still remains a major challenge. However, last night, at 11:00 pm on July 11, the national route connecting Hiroshima City with Kure City opened to traffic. I ask that relevant ministries and agencies dedicate their fullest efforts in responding to supply shortages in Kure City.
232 government officials provided assistance to the team to support disaster victims and 154 local government workers from 16 prefectures and cities have been dispatched to the affected areas to assist the works of the municipalities, which were affected by the disaster, engaging in restoration and reconstruction activities, as well as administrative work for issuing Disaster Victim Certificates. I ask that everyone continue to respond thoroughly to the needs, which are changing every moment, while being mindful of those affected and focusing attention on the front-lines.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Visit to Okayama Prefecture to Inspect the State of the Damage Caused by the Heavy Rain of July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Wednesday, July 11, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 11, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Okayama Prefecture to inspect the state of the damage caused by the heavy rain of July 2018.
The Prime Minister first visited an elementary school in Kurashiki City, which is serving as an evacuation center, where he listened to evacuees. After that, he visited a site affected by the flooding.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister exchanged views with Ryuta Ibaragi, Governor of Okayama Prefecture, in Okayama City, and received a written request from the Governor.
After the visit, the Prime Minister said,
“First, I would like to pray for peace for the souls of those who lost their lives in the recent heavy rain and offer my deepest condolences to their bereaved families. I would also like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to all who have been affected by this disaster.
While the Government has devoted every effort since the disaster struck, there are still many people whose safety has not yet been confirmed. We will exert all of our efforts to search for them.
Earlier, I visited the affected area, and had seen for myself the tremendous ravages of the heavy rain. I also listened to the people affected at the evacuation center, such as their suffering, the difficulties they face at the evacuation center, and the anxiety they are experiencing.
The Government will work in unity eliminating silo mentalities to provide attentive support and to rebuild the lives of those affected, with push-mode support to provide supplies needed for daily lives including necessities, the improvement of living environments at evacuation centers, the provision of air conditioning as the hot days continue, as well as the provision of temporary housing.
To achieve these, we will take budgetary measures, such as the adequate utilization of the contingency fund and providing regular local allocation tax ahead of schedule. With regard to the designation of this disaster as a “Disaster of Extreme Severity,” we will move forward on the procedures promptly, so I would like the affected municipalities to dedicate all of their efforts into the emergency response and recovery work without worrying about their fiscal conditions and any hesitation about budgetary matters.
Under the basic principle of doing everything possible while proactively taking the initiative, the Government is making all-out efforts to provide assistance the daily lives of those affected by the disaster.”
Furthermore, the Prime Minister said,
“The Government has been working as one and exerting all of their efforts to respond since the onset of the disaster. Of course, we are still facing many challenges. Moving forward, we are thoroughly focusing on the situation on the ground, and have immediately deployed the Team to Support the Daily Lives of Disaster Victims. The Government will work with the municipalities in unity to respond to this disaster, incorporating the views and requests from the frontline through this team.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Meeting of the Team to Support the Daily Lives of Disaster Victims of the Heavy Rain of July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Tuesday, July 10, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 10, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a meeting of the Team to Support the Daily Lives of Disaster Victims of the Heavy Rain of July 2018, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“Amidst the rising heat, many people in the affected areas have had no choice but to lead difficult lives as evacuees. Providing attentive support to the victims is an urgent task.
The establishment of this vice-ministerial Team to Support the Daily Lives of Disaster Victims is aimed at enabling timely and appropriate responses to the needs of disaster victims through swift decision-making, regardless of the respective boundaries of ministries and agencies.
The situation on the ground is changing every moment. It is important to follow through with a hands-on approach. This team has already commenced its activities with an organizing meeting, which was held yesterday, and various operations have already commenced such as supplying everyday necessities, securing the distribution network, dispatching personnel to the affected municipalities and improving the living environments at evacuation shelters, as well as securing temporary housing. Today, we also made the decision to utilize a contingency fund to further strengthen push-mode support to provide emergency relief supplies such as water, food, air conditioners, and temporary toilets.
Circumstances permitting, I will also visit each of the affected areas to inspect the state of the damage, and listen to the needs of victims and the affected municipalities. I plan to first visit Okayama Prefecture tomorrow.
I would like everyone to proactively identify the needs of the affected areas based on firsthand information by sending your staff to the frontlines and other possible means to make speedy decisions as top administrative officials and implement the necessary measures swiftly.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Third Meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Tuesday, July 10, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 10, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the third meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“Over 140 people are now dead or missing from the recent heavy rains. The Government continues to exert every effort to search for the large number of people whose safety has not been confirmed.
Yesterday, I dispatched a Government assessment team to Okayama Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture and received from the head of the team, Minister of State for Disaster Management Okonogi, a detailed report on the situation in the affected areas.
Many roads have been forced to close in the affected areas, but we are doing all we can to eliminate obstacles on the roads, while also taking various measures, including the use of delivery vehicles for convenience stores and others as emergency vehicles, in order to speed up the transportation of relief supplies and recovery work. Furthermore, in response to the widespread disruption of water supplies, the Self-Defense Forces are currently providing water and bathing support in Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture, Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture, and other areas. At the same time, with the cooperation of water utility companies, the public and private sectors are working as one and exerting every effort towards early recovery.
Amidst the rising heat, many people have been forced into leading physically and mentally challenging lives as evacuees. In view of this, we are ramping up efforts to procure the needed emergency relief supplies such as water, food, air conditioners, and temporary toilets. Moreover, the Government will formulate budgetary measures to further strengthen the push-mode support that we have decided to implement. We will allocate a contingency fund for that purpose. With this, we will accelerate the provision of emergency support to the people affected.
Through the Team to Support the Daily Lives of Disaster Victims established yesterday, the Government and municipalities will work as one to swiftly advance the recovery and reconstruction of the affected areas.
I ask all of you to devote every effort to responding to this emergency, while continuing to cooperate closely with the affected municipalities and paying close attention to those affected as well as swiftly identifying the details of the needs in the affected areas.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Second Meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Monday, July 9, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 9, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the second meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“The record-breaking heavy rains have caused extremely enormous damage, with over 100 people now dead or missing.
We have increased the number of our front-line personnel to 73,000 people and are exerting every effort for rescue and relief given the large number of people whose safety has still not been confirmed and other issues.
The provision of attentive support for the people affected by the disaster is an urgent task as the weather becomes extremely hot. Already, since this morning, food has begun arriving at evacuation centers. In addition, we will ramp up personnel support for the affected municipalities, including though the dispatch of disaster management coordination supporting personnel from today. I have issued instructions for the establishment of a cross-ministerial Team in Charge of Assisting the Lives of Disaster Victims so that the Government can quickly and robustly advance the provision of further daily supports for the people affected by this disaster.
Through this team, the Government and the municipalities will coordinate closely and work as one in order to ensure that supports definitely reach those affected by the disaster through push-mode support, anticipating various needs, such as providing relief supplies, securing distribution channels to that end, dispatching personnel to the affected municipalities, preparing living environments at evacuation centers including the installation of air conditioners, and securing temporary housing.
In addition, the Act Concerning Support for Reconstructing Livelihoods of Disaster Victims has been applied to Hiroshima City and, as such, financial support will be provided to those who have completely lost their homes during this disaster and others affected by the disaster. The Government will prepare thorough fiscal measures to ensure that the municipalities in each of the affected prefectures can respond to emergency needs and recovery with all their effort without worrying about their fiscal conditions.
I would like everyone to exert every possible effort to address the situation, taking the initiative, while working closely together with the affected municipalities and paying close attention to the needs of the people affected by the disaster.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
First Meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heave Rain in July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Sunday, July 8, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 8, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the first meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“The recent heavy rains continue to cause immense and widespread damage. A total of 48 people have perished due to rivers overflowing or landslides, and 28 people have suffered cardiopulmonary arrests.
I pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and I extend my sincere condolences to everyone who has been affected by the disaster.
There are still many people whose whereabouts are not accounted for. There are also those who have been isolated and waiting for rescue while facing the fear of being inundated with water. Rescue, lifesaving and evacuation activities are a race against the clock. A total of 54,000 rescue team members are doing everything they can to rescue the people affected. I ask that all of them continue to exert all of their efforts for rescue and relief operations as well as evacuation guidance, including by flexibly and effectively strengthening the team structure in response to the changing situations.
At the same time, many people are spending anxious moments at evacuation centers and elsewhere. I hope that everyone will make full use of the lessons learned from previous disasters and provide push-mode support in close coordination with the affected prefectures and municipalities, including the provision of the supplies that these areas lack, support in the form of the necessary personnel that engage in disaster response work, and support for the early recovery of lifelines. The weather is expected to heat up from tomorrow. I hope that everyone will work thoroughly to manage the conditions in evacuation centers, and to prepare temporary residences, including provisional temporary housing using public housing. Please work to support those affected by the disaster while staying one step ahead.
Even now, the climate continues to be unstable, with the designated heavy rain emergency warnings issued for Gifu Prefecture, Ehime Prefecture, and Kochi Prefecture. I ask that the public continue to pay close attention to evacuation and weather information released by each municipality and meteorological station and take measures to ensure safety, including early evacuations.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Ministerial Council on the Heavy Rain from July 5
Cabinet Secretariat, Saturday, July 7, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 7, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a meeting of the Ministerial Council on the Heavy Rain from July 5.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“The heavy rains, caused by the seasonal rain front, have resulted in unprecedented and record-breaking rainfall across a wide area of the country and are causing damage throughout Japan. This includes western Japan, where a series of heavy rain emergency warnings have been issued yesterday.
I pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and I extend my sincere condolences to everyone who has been affected by the disaster.
Even now, rivers are overflowing and landslides are taking place. We are also receiving many reports of people whose safety has not been confirmed. This is an extremely serious situation. Based on a policy of putting people’s lives first, I want you to dispatch rescue teams without further delay and exert every effort for the rescue and relief of all affected people.
Please do everything in your power and deal with the situation while staying one step ahead to prevent the further spread of damage. The situation is changing each and every moment. Please exercise strong leadership and take actions in order to immediately identify the state of the damage and respond to the various situations occurring over vast areas, including the evacuation of the residents, the provision of daily supports, and the restoration of lifeline infrastructure, in close coordination with municipal governments in the disaster-affected areas.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Strategic Headquarters for National Space Policy
Cabinet Secretariat, Friday, July 6, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 6, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 17th meeting of the Strategic Headquarters for National Space Policy at the Prime Minister's Office.
At the meeting, there was a discussion on priority items for the revision of the Implementation Plan of the Basic Plan on Space Policy, and other matters.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“Countries all around the world are strengthening their space initiatives from a security standpoint. As we are currently carrying out the revision of the National Defense Program Guidelines, I would like to ask all the relevant ministries and agencies, led by the Ministry of Defense (MOD), to work together to develop the necessary structure for the strengthening of our space security, incorporating such international trends we are seeing.
In November, we will launch a satellite positioning, navigation and timing service using the quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS) MICHIBIKI. Please continue to further accelerate the creation of new businesses, by promoting the use of data in the private sector, including the massive amount of satellite data that the Government has amassed up to this point.
There has been a surge of active discussions internationally around outer space on topics such as space exploration and space debris problems, including the plans being advanced by the United States to create a manned lunar outpost. I would like Japan to lead the world in the midst of such developments and solve the issues in this field by making use of its technologies and human resources.
Focusing on the aforementioned points, I would like all relevant ministers, led by Minister Matsuyama, to work closely together toward the revision of the Implementation Plan of the Basic Plan on Space Policy by the end of this year.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy
Cabinet Secretariat, Monday, July 9, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 9, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 11th meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy in 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
At the meeting, a discussion was held on the Economic and Fiscal Projections for Medium to Long Term Analysis and guidelines for FY2019 budget requests.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“Today, following the announcement of the Medium to Long Term Analysis up to FY2027, we prepared the budget overview based on the blue print proposed by the private sector members last time. We also approved the guidelines for budget requests, which is based on the underlying directions that appear in the blueprint.
We would like to formulate a streamlined FY2019 budget based on these guidelines for budget requests with the Government working as one.
In addition, I ask that this Council advance discussion on concrete measures to ensure swift and effective responses along with the planned increase in consumption tax.
Concerning fiscal consolidation, I request that Minister Motegi make thorough efforts to clarify and specify directions for priority issues in expenditure reform and expenditure targets, revise the reform schedule, and draft a new reform schedule by the end of the year.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Foreign Affairs, Sunday, July 8, 2018
On July 8, commencing at 1:50 p.m. for approximately one hour, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Kang Kyung-wha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK), who is visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
With regard to the issue of North Korea, the two foreign ministers confirmed that they will continue to closely coordinate their future responses, and that Japan and the ROK and Japan, the ROK and the United States will continue to work closely together. The two foreign ministers shared the view that they will cooperate in order to urge North Korea to take concrete actions towards the full implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions. In addition, Minister Kang explained the interaction between the ROK and North Korea.
With regard to Japan-ROK relations, the two foreign ministers discussed policies for strengthening the bilateral relationship toward the 20th anniversary of the Japan-Republic of Korea Joint Declaration in October this year, along with confirming that they will move forward with the cooperation to build future-oriented relations while appropriately managing difficult issues between Japan and the ROK.
Furthermore, the two foreign ministers also exchanged views on the regional situation.
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Japan-Poland Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Foreign Affairs, Friday, July 6, 2018
On Friday, July 6, commencing at 9 a.m. (local time) for approximately 95 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Jacek Czaputowicz, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, in Warsaw during his visit to Poland. (A one-on-one tete-a-tete meeting for the first 30 minutes and an overall meeting for the subsequent 65 minutes was followed by a working lunch commencing at 12:10 p.m. for approximately 60 minutes). The overview is as follows.
1. Beginning
At the beginning, Minister Czaputowicz noted that the relationship between Poland and Japan was elevated to a strategic partnership and they signed the action plan for the strategic partnership in May 2017, and explained that he is pleased to have the opportunity to welcome Minister Kono and deepen the bilateral relationship ahead of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year. Minister Czaputowicz stated that Japan was one of the first countries to recognize Poland’s restoration of independence 100 years ago, and he hopes to use this opportunity to cooperate at the governmental and parliamentary levels.
In response, Minister Kono explained that he intends to coordinate closely with Poland, which is currently a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), on challenges facing the international community including the North Korea problem. Minister Kono expressed the view that amid the various challenges facing the international community, it will be important for Japan and Poland, which share fundamental values, to strengthen their cooperation as strategic partners.
2. Bilateral relations
The two ministers stated that towards the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Poland next year, they both intend to foster the momentum for the anniversary. The two ministers also unveiled the official logo of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Poland. Furthermore, the two ministers shared the view that both countries’ foreign ministries will cooperate to build a framework for implementing the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The two ministers confirmed that against the backdrop of the robust Polish economy, investment in Poland by Japanese companies has been growing, and people-to-people exchanges have been increasing as a result of direct flights, and in light of this the economic relationship will be expanded further.
Furthermore, the two ministers confirmed that they will cooperate in order to bring the Japan-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) into effect promptly.
Minister Kono stated that Japan supports a strongly united Europe, and helps reform in the Western Balkan countries, which aim to join the EU. Minister Czaputowicz welcomed that Japan is strengthening its engagement with the Western Balkan countries, and the two ministers shared the view that they will cooperate in this field.
3. Regional affairs
With regard to cooperation in the international arena and regional affairs, the two ministers exchanged views on cooperation in the United Nations, situation in Asia, including the North Korea issue, climate change, relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), situation in the Middle East, and free trade.
With regard to the North Korea issue, the two ministers shared the view that it is still necessary for North Korea to abandon all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner, and to firmly fulfill the UNSC resolutions. In addition, Minister Kono asked for understanding and cooperation on promptly resolving the abductions issue.
Furthermore, toward the success of COP24 (the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), the two ministers confirmed cooperation between Japan and Poland, as the host of the COP24.
The two ministers also discussed cooperation in the international arena, and confirmed that Japan and Poland, which currently serves as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, will strengthen their coordination for the purpose of resolving various problems facing the international community.
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
