Sanae Takaichi
@takaichi_sanae · Asia
Sanae Takaichi is followed by The State of Israel for government and public service coverage connected to Japan in the Asia chapter.
Yesterday, the Lasker Awards, known as the most prestigious biomedical research awards in the United States, were announced: ・ Arihiro Hattori, Takehisa Kitazawa, and Tomoyuki Ikawa, three researchers at Chugai Pharmaceutical, received the Clinical Medical Research Award, ・ and Professor Masashi Yanagisawa of the University of Tsukuba received the Basic Medical Research Award. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients. The three Chugai researchers developed a treatment for hemophilia A, a congenital disorder that makes blood clotting difficult. Professor Yanagisawa elucidated the mechanisms of sleep and wakefulness, leading to new treatments. It is tremendously gratifying that the outstanding achievements of Japanese researchers in drug discovery have been highly recognized; this shows the world the high standard of basic research our country has built over many years and will provide a major boost to future medical and healthcare development. The Takaichi Cabinet has positioned “drug discovery and advanced medicine” as one of 17 strategic fields in its growth strategy and is building a “drug-discovery ecosystem” to further strengthen basic research, one of our country’s strengths, and connect its results reliably to practical use. Government and the private sector will work together to improve our country’s drug-discovery capabilities.
Translated from JapaneseToday, I attended the 45th National Memorial Service for firefighters who died in the line of duty, delivered memorial remarks, and laid flowers. The four firefighting personnel newly honored on this occasion fulfilled their responsibilities in firefighting operations and training, guided by the noble resolve that “we ourselves will protect the lives of local residents,” and made the ultimate sacrifice. I express my heartfelt respect and gratitude for the strong sense of duty and courage they demonstrated with their own lives, and once again offer my sincere tribute. When I think of the profound grief of the bereaved families who have lost their beloved family members, I am overcome with sorrow. I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families. I was reminded once again of visiting the family of a firefighter who died during rescue operations after a landslide, to offer my condolences while I was serving as Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications. My heart was constricted as I thought of the deceased’s anguish at having passed away leaving behind his wife and children, and as I encountered the bereaved family members who were holding back their grief while maintaining a composed bearing. I once again express my respect and gratitude to all firefighters and volunteer firefighters who rush to disaster sites at the forefront, risk their own safety, and work without regard for the danger to themselves. In recent years, large-scale wildfires and fires in densely built-up urban areas have occurred in various parts of the country, making firefighting increasingly difficult and creating a need for wide-area and specialized firefighting capabilities. In addition, damage from heavy rain and typhoons has occurred one after another, while there are also concerns about major earthquakes such as a directly beneath-the-capital earthquake and a Nankai Trough earthquake. In these circumstances, the public’s trust in and expectations of firefighting capabilities are great, and the government is also working to strengthen and enhance the firefighting and disaster-prevention system. In remembrance of the precious sacrifice of the 5,799 souls honored to date, I will devote myself to building a disaster-resilient, safe, and secure country in order to honor their wishes.
Translated from JapaneseI received a report on the results of overseas trips by the political appointees of the various ministries and agencies during the summer (July to early September). From the perspective of promoting strategic diplomacy in an integrated manner, the Takaichi Cabinet has instructed all political appointees to work across ministry and agency boundaries to advocate to counterpart countries on matters of important concern to the administration and steadily implement them. We are also coordinating destinations across the Cabinet so that important regions can be broadly covered from the perspective of the national interest. This summer as well, they worked diligently at destinations around the world based on my instructions. Below, I introduce the main results. Explanation of the “evolution of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” - During a series of overseas visits this summer, Foreign Minister Mogi communicated that Japan would promote an evolved FOIP, deepen cooperation to strengthen the “autonomy” and “resilience” of each country, and aim to become strong and prosperous together. - Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Kaneko conveyed to Malaysia’s Home Minister Saifuddin and others that, under the principles espoused by FOIP, it is extremely important to ensure the safe and stable use of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and that cooperation in the maritime security field would be strengthened. Communicating Japan’s policies and positions, including the abductions issue, and promoting understanding - At the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Foreign Minister Mogi referred to North Korea’s nuclear and missile development and requested understanding and cooperation regarding the abductions issue. The chair’s statement included a call for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue. - Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Ueno requested continued understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue from Philippine Secretary of Labor and Employment Tolentino, South Korean Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Yeong-hun, and Thai Minister of Labor Jurapan. - Defense Minister Koizumi discussed with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Marles the follow-up to existing defense cooperation and the direction for strengthening future defense cooperation. Stable procurement of crude oil and petroleum products and development of new supply sources - At the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Foreign Minister Mogi stated that, under “Power Asia,” Japan would promote the strengthening of energy supply systems through financial cooperation and stockpiles, as well as the diversification and broadening of energy sources. The chair’s statement included recognition of the importance of cooperation including “Power Asia.” - At the G20 Innovation Ministers’ Meeting held in the United States, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa stated that Japan’s stockpiling systems for oil and critical minerals contribute to strengthening the resilience of supply chains related to AI and manufacturing. He also met with Commerce Secretary Lutnick and conveyed that it is important to continue ensuring sufficient supply volumes and price competitiveness for U.S.-produced crude oil. They also agreed to continue discussions aimed at strengthening critical-mineral supply chains. - At a meeting with Australia’s Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Thistlethwaite, Onoda, Minister of State in the Cabinet Office in charge of economic security, confirmed that coordination and cooperation would be deepened to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and energy. - At the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting, Finance Minister Katayama stated that efforts to diversify and strengthen the resilience of supply chains are important. The chair’s statement said that ensuring the efficient and smooth functioning of value chains including energy contributes to global growth. Contribution to promoting exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products and food - Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yamashita advocated for promoting exports of Japanese food at a meeting with Brunei’s Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office in charge of economic policy and Minister of Economy and Trade Manaf. Visits to government-established war memorials - Five political appointees, including Ueno, visited and laid flowers at government-established memorials for the war dead in five countries, while another five political appointees visited memorials and other sites in four countries.
Translated from JapaneseToday (the 8th), at 6:20 p.m., a Level 5 special flood warning was issued for the Shonai River. On the Yada River, which flows through Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, flooding has already occurred or is imminent. In areas where a Level 5 emergency safety measure order has been issued, lives are in imminent danger. Follow the instructions of local authorities and ensure your safety immediately. Residents of areas where the special warning is in effect should immediately move to high ground or other places that are less likely to be flooded and ensure their safety. If moving outdoors is dangerous, do not force yourself to do so; move to a space that is even slightly safer than your current location and make life-protecting actions your top priority. Also, pay close attention via radio, television, the internet and other sources to the latest evacuation information from local authorities. If you sense even the slightest danger, please do not hesitate to take action to protect your life as early as possible. The government is responding through the Prime Minister's Office Liaison Office established at the Prime Minister's Office Crisis Management Center, including by assessing the damage, carrying out emergency disaster measures such as saving and rescuing victims, and providing timely and accurate information to the public.
Translated from JapaneseToday, the preliminary figures for July 2026 from the Monthly Labour Survey were released. The year-on-year change in real wages was: ① plus 2.6% when the Consumer Price Index „All items“ was used, marking the eighth consecutive month of increase; and ② plus 2.4% when the „All items excluding imputed rent for owner-occupied dwellings“ index was used, marking the seventh consecutive month of increase. These figures are the highest since May 2021. The factors are believed to include the steady increase in contractual cash earnings, the rise in special cash earnings such as bonuses, and the contribution of our efforts on „measures to address high prices“, but we will continue to closely monitor price trends and the employment and income environment as a whole. In addition, this fiscal year’s regional minimum-wage increase is the second-highest on record (a nationwide weighted average of 1,177 yen, an increase of 56 yen). We believe that such minimum-wage increases, which take effect from October onward, will steadily lead to higher wages from autumn onward. We will continue to implement various support measures, including improving the environment for wage increases at small and medium-sized enterprises and small businesses, toward achieving wage increases that exceed price rises.
Translated from JapaneseIn addition to Niijima Village and Oshima Town in Tokyo, a Level 5 special warning for landslides has also been issued for Toshima Village in Tokyo. These areas are experiencing exceptionally heavy rain unlike anything seen before. In particular, in landslide warning zones and similar areas, it is extremely likely that some kind of disaster, such as a landslide, has already occurred. With danger to life imminent, follow the instructions of local authorities and secure your safety immediately. Going forward, Level 5 special warnings may also be issued for other municipalities. Exercise extreme caution regarding landslides, flooding of low-lying areas, and rising rivers or overflowing riverbanks.
Translated from JapaneseIn addition to Niijima Village, Tokyo, a “Level 5 special warning for sediment-related disasters” has been issued for Oshima Town, Tokyo. These areas are experiencing unprecedented heavy rain, and especially in sediment-disaster warning zones, there is an extremely high likelihood that some kind of disaster, such as a landslide, has already occurred. Because lives are in imminent danger, follow local-government instructions and immediately ensure your safety. If traveling to an evacuation shelter would be more dangerous, do not force it; prioritize life-saving actions, such as moving to a place even slightly safer than where you are now, away from cliffs and ravines. Level 5 special warnings may also be issued for other municipalities in the future. In addition, even in areas where no Level 5 special warning has currently been issued, heavy rain may affect a broad area along the Pacific coast from western to northern Japan due to the front and a tropical depression transformed from a typhoon. Be extremely vigilant for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and rising or overflowing rivers. Following the issuance of the “Level 5 special warning for sediment-related disasters,” the government will make every effort in crisis management through the Prime Minister’s Office Liaison Office established at the Prime Minister’s Office Crisis Management Center, working with local governments to provide the public with timely and accurate information, assess damage if it occurs, and implement emergency disaster-response measures under a policy of putting human life first.
Translated from JapaneseA Level 5 Special Warning for Landslides has been issued for Niijima Village, Tokyo. These areas are experiencing torrential rain of a kind never experienced before, and particularly in designated landslide hazard zones, the situation is extremely likely to mean that landslides or some other disaster has already occurred. With danger to life imminent, follow the instructions of the local authorities and secure your safety immediately. If traveling to an evacuation shelter would instead be dangerous, do not force yourself to go; move to a place even slightly safer than where you are now, such as a location away from cliffs and ravines, and make actions to protect your life your highest priority. Level 5 Special Warnings may be issued for other municipalities in the future. Even in areas where a Level 5 Special Warning has not been issued at present, heavy rain may affect a wide area along the Pacific side from western to northern Japan because of the effects of a typhoon or a frontal system. Be alert for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and rising rivers or river flooding. In addition to evacuation information from local authorities, pay close attention to the latest disaster-prevention weather information on television, radio, the internet, and other sources. When a Level 4 Evacuation Order is issued, before a Level 5 Emergency Safety Measure is issued, everyone in a dangerous location should promptly evacuate to a safe place, including an evacuation shelter or the home of relatives or acquaintances, while securing their safety and following the instructions of the local authorities. Elderly people, people with disabilities, people accompanied by small children, and everyone else whose evacuation takes time should promptly evacuate from dangerous places under the Level 3 Evacuation of Elderly People and Others. If you feel even the slightest danger, do not worry about a false alarm; make your own decision, take the initiative, evacuate early and ahead of time, and take action to protect your own life. Using hazard maps prepared by your local government, check whether your home and area are safe, understand evacuation locations and routes and how to obtain evacuation information, and confirm your own evacuation actions in preparation for evacuation. Also proceed with advance preparations, including checking your supplies and packing the belongings you will take with you when evacuating. Following the issuance of the Level 5 Special Warning for Landslides, the government will make every effort to manage the crisis. At the Prime Minister’s Office Liaison Office established in the Prime Minister’s Office Crisis Management Center, it will coordinate with local authorities to provide the public with timely and accurate information, ascertain the extent of damage if damage occurs, and take comprehensive emergency disaster-response measures under a policy that places human life first.
Translated from Japanese (Japan)Since last week, the new school term has started at many schools. Today, I would like to introduce the “Act Partially Amending the School Education Act and Other Acts,” enacted in the previous session of the Diet, as a reform in the field of “education.” Education is the “foundation of building people” and the very “hundred-year plan of the nation.” To maximize the abilities of all children through school education, it is critically important to increase opportunities for children to feel, about what they are learning, “I understand!” and “This is fun!” For this reason, in addition to “improving teachers’ instructional skills” and “increasing the number of teaching staff,” the Takaichi Cabinet is working to improve the “educational environment for children” through the “use of digital technology.” Until now, Japan’s system for school textbooks recognized only “paper,” but this legal revision makes it possible to incorporate “digital” elements such as “audio” and “video” so that textbooks become “easier to understand” and “easier to learn from” for children. On the other hand, this legal revision does not mean that all the paper textbooks currently in use will be transferred to digital form. I believe subjects such as “English,” “art,” and “music” offer many situations where digital technology can play an active role, but when it comes to the “use of digital technology in textbooks,” it is important to take into account the characteristics of each grade and subject. Therefore, the goal is not to make everything “digital.” Building on the long-standing work with “paper textbooks,” we will incorporate “digital” technology into learning situations where it is effective, so that learning becomes “easier to understand” and “easier to engage with” for children. In our country, schools also have a “duty to use textbooks,” and during the compulsory-education stage, children at schools nationwide learn with textbooks distributed “free of charge” by the national government. Japan’s textbook system is one of the few of its kind in the world and one of the factors supporting Japan’s high “education standards.” We will continue to work diligently so that we can provide children with a better “educational environment.”
Translated from JapaneseOn September 4, a ceremony was held in the Russian city of Khabarovsk to unveil a bronze statue for a monument commemorating victory over Japan, depicting a Soviet soldier destroying a stone marker bearing the imprint of the chrysanthemum crest. The chrysanthemum crest is widely recognized as a symbol of Japan, and installing a monument depicting its destruction is completely unacceptable. This is an issue affecting the feelings of the Japanese people, and the government strongly urged the Russian side to halt the installation and remove the monument. We will continue to strongly press the Russian side for its removal.
Translated from JapaneseIn June this year, the Act Partially Amending the Civil Code and Other Laws, which includes revisions to the “adult guardianship system” and the “will system,” was enacted and promulgated. As family structures change with the aging of the population and the growing number of elderly people living alone, the need to use the “adult guardianship system” and the “will system” has increased and become more diverse, even as people have voiced concerns that the systems are difficult to use. Today, I will introduce an overview of the recent revisions. ＜Categories reorganized for a more flexible system design＞ The “adult guardianship system” is a system under which a family court appoints an “adult guardian” or another person when, for reasons such as dementia, intellectual disability, or mental illness, it becomes difficult for someone to carry out on their own the legal acts necessary to manage property or use welfare services. The appointed person can carry out the necessary legal acts on the individual’s behalf and for the individual’s benefit. Until now, the “adult guardianship system” was divided into three types—“guardianship,” “curatorship,” and “assistance”—according to the scope of the power of representation and other factors. These have been reorganized and consolidated into “assistance.” It is now possible to set the necessary scope and duration of the power of representation according to the needs of the person using the system, and the system has been designed more flexibly so that its use can be ended when it is no longer necessary. In addition, until now an assistant could be dismissed only in cases such as when the assistant had engaged in misconduct, including embezzlement. It is now possible to dismiss an assistant even without misconduct when, for example, the individual cannot receive appropriate protection or dismissal is especially necessary for the individual’s benefit. Furthermore, to respect more fully the self-determination of the person using the system, it has been clarified as a duty of the assistant that the assistant must seek to understand that person’s wishes. ＜Review of the “voluntary guardianship system”＞ The “voluntary guardianship system” can also now be used more flexibly. The “voluntary guardianship system” is part of the “adult guardianship system.” While the person using the system still has sufficient decision-making capacity, they can establish in advance by contract who will become their “voluntary guardian” and what matters they will entrust to that person in the future. When decision-making capacity becomes insufficient and use of the system is to begin, the “appointment of a supervisor for the voluntary guardian” had previously been mandatory again. In addition, it was not possible to use the system at the same time as the “assistance” system mentioned above. These points, which had been criticized as making the system difficult to use, have been revised, making more flexible use possible. The revisions concerning the “adult guardianship system” will take effect on a date specified by government ordinance within two years and six months of the date of promulgation, June 24 of this year. ＜Review of the “will system”＞ Next, I will discuss the “review of the will system.” The widely used “holographic will” requires the entire text of the will to be handwritten, and people had pointed out that handwriting the full text was burdensome. Under the recent revision, a “custodial deed will” was created as a new way to make a will. It is now possible to prepare a will as a written document or electronic data using a computer or other device and have it stored at a Legal Affairs Bureau, thereby making the will. The revision concerning the “custodial deed will” will take effect on a date specified by government ordinance within three years of the date of promulgation. I hope these revisions will make the “adult guardianship system” and the “will system” more familiar and easier for the public to use. For the specific details of the revisions, please see the indicated link.
Translated from JapaneseRegarding the Imperial House Law Amendment Act enacted by the Diet that closed last month, I have received a variety of opinions, including views that it “closed the path to a female emperor.” I would like to explain once again “what the amendment to the Imperial House Law was intended to achieve, what it changed, and what it did not change.” The first point I must explain is that the succession to the Imperial Throne through His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Akishino and His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito of the next generation has already been established through previous ceremonies, including the Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince, and by the Imperial House Law. The premise of this amendment, that “the line of succession to the Imperial Throne through His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito of the next generation must not be disturbed,” meant that no change would be made to that matter and that no consideration would be undertaken that could affect it. Against that background, the purpose of this amendment was to urgently secure the number of Imperial Family members. On this matter, a government expert panel established in Reiwa 3 [2021] held discussions including the following: ・On the premise that His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito is the qualified successor to the Imperial Throne of the next generation, the line of succession to the Imperial Throne through His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito must not be disturbed ・Concrete discussion of succession to the Imperial Throne from the generation after the next would currently be premature and could instead destabilize the succession ・Regarding succession to the Imperial Throne from the generation after the next following His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito, discussions should perhaps be deepened in the future after taking into account circumstances surrounding His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito’s age, marriage, and other matters ・Separately from the issue of succession to the Imperial Throne, securing the number of Imperial Family members is an urgent task These discussions were compiled in the Expert Panel Report. Following the Expert Panel Report, the “Summary of Discussions” ultimately compiled in the Diet, composed of representatives of all the people, under the chairmanship of the Speakers and Vice-Speakers of both Houses, as the “consensus of the legislature,” confirmed the following: ・The line of succession to the Imperial Throne through His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito of the next generation must not be disturbed ・On that basis, legislation should proceed for the first and second options set out in the Expert Panel Report Here, the first option means “allowing Imperial Princesses and princesses to retain their status as members of the Imperial Family after marriage,” while the second option means “making adoption, which is not permitted for members of the Imperial Family, possible, and making male descendants in the male line belonging to the Imperial lineage members of the Imperial Family.” Both are measures to secure the number of Imperial Family members. The reason that the amendment to the Imperial House Law separated the issue of “how succession to the Imperial Throne should be handled” and focused on securing the number of Imperial Family members was this process. In accordance with the legislature’s policy, the government made securing the number of Imperial Family members the purpose of this amendment and proceeded with the work. The question being raised of whether to recognize a female emperor concerns “how succession to the Imperial Throne should be handled” and was not included among the issues covered by the purpose of this amendment to the Imperial House Law, which was to secure the number of Imperial Family members. Under the Imperial House Law up to now, “female members of the Imperial Family” lost their “status as members of the Imperial Family” upon marriage. In other words, apart from a woman becoming a member of the Imperial Family through marriage and a child being born to an Imperial Family couple, there was no way for the number of Imperial Family members to increase, and stopping the decline in their number was truly an urgent task. Through this amendment, we were able for the first time to open a path for “female members of the Imperial Family to retain their status as members of the Imperial Family after marriage.” Along with making it possible to newly make male-line male descendants of the so-called former 11 Miyake, who left the Imperial Household after the war and whose members were Imperial Family members until 1947 even under the current Constitution and Imperial House Law, members of the Imperial Family through adoption, this is an extremely important measure for securing the number of Imperial Family members. The Imperial House Law Amendment Act also establishes a review provision in Article 6 of its supplementary provisions, under which necessary consideration and review are to be undertaken in light of how the amended law is implemented.
Translated from Japanese (Japan)Regarding my appearance in a program broadcast by NHK on September 3 in a short recorded comment, there have been criticisms that I did not explain any policies at all, so I will explain the circumstances. The program covered colorectal cancer screening, and Associate Professor Mizota of Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health was carrying out a project in cooperation with municipalities nationwide to encourage residents to undergo cancer screenings. As part of that effort, Professor Mizota asked me to hear an explanation of the initiative and support it, and I accepted because improving the cancer-screening rate is one of the important policy issues. In the actual recording, in a conference room inside the Prime Minister's Office, I received an explanation from Professor Mizota and said the following: "I also place great importance on what I call 'aggressive preventive medicine': getting tested early, detecting, and responding early. In that context, in order to protect lives, I believe it is extremely important to carry out initiatives in local communities and elsewhere to increase the number of people who undergo cancer screenings, and also to increase the number of people who properly return for another examination when they are told that a repeat examination is necessary. Therefore, I think Professor Mizota's initiative is wonderful as an approach to people who have not been screened, so let us work hard to raise the screening rate." Before I agreed to appear on the program, NHK had confirmed the content of this statement in advance, but in the actual broadcast, the earlier part about "aggressive preventive medicine" and the importance of increasing the number of people who undergo cancer screenings and repeat examinations was cut, and only the latter part was broadcast: that Professor Mizota's initiative is wonderful as an approach to people who have not been screened, and that we should work hard to raise the screening rate. Colorectal cancer screening can be conducted using a relatively simple stool-based test and is an effective means of enabling early detection, but many people hesitate to undergo it for reasons such as "I have no symptoms, so I must be fine." The Takaichi Cabinet places importance on "aggressive preventive medicine," which was also one of my pledges during last year's Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, and is accelerating consideration of this, including new initiatives and incorporating them into next fiscal year's budget. In cooperation with local governments, we will advance cancer-control measures, including individually encouraging eligible people and re-encouraging them, securing opportunities to receive screening including on holidays and at night, and strengthening follow-up systems so that people found to need a detailed examination are sure to receive one. I respectfully ask everyone to undergo cancer screenings, for yourselves and for the important people around you.
Translated from Japanese (Japan)The Level 5 Special Landslide Disaster Warning is currently in effect for Yakushima Town, Kagoshima Prefecture. The rainfall is unlike anything experienced before, and especially in areas designated as landslide hazard zones, the possibility that some kind of disaster, including landslides, has already occurred is extremely high. Your life is in imminent danger. Follow the instructions of your local government and immediately secure your safety. If traveling to an evacuation shelter would instead be dangerous, do not force yourself; move to a place even slightly safer than where you are now, such as a location away from cliffs and ravines, and make life-saving actions your top priority. Residents of surrounding areas where the Level 5 Special Landslide Disaster Warning has not been issued may also face disasters from now on. Refrain from nonessential outings, and pay close attention not only to evacuation information from your local government but also to the latest disaster-prevention weather information from television, radio, the internet and other sources. When a Level 4 Evacuation Order is issued, promptly evacuate, before a Level 5 Emergency Safety Measure is issued, all people in dangerous places to safe locations, including evacuation shelters and the homes of relatives or acquaintances, in accordance with local-government instructions and while securing your safety. Elderly people, people with disabilities, people accompanied by small children and others who need time to evacuate should promptly evacuate dangerous places under the Level 3 Evacuation of Elderly People and Others. If you feel even the slightest danger, please take action to protect your own life, including evacuating early and proactively based on your own judgment without worrying about a false alarm. Going forward, under the influence of typhoons and weather fronts, heavy rain may affect a wide area from western to eastern Japan, with disasters such as landslides, flooding of low-lying land, and rising or overflowing rivers possible. Using hazard maps prepared by your local municipality, check whether your home and area are safe, and confirm your evacuation actions in preparation for evacuation, including the locations and routes for evacuation and how to obtain evacuation information. Also proceed with preparations in advance, including checking emergency supplies and packing the belongings you will bring when evacuating. During the August 2026 Chiba heavy-rain disaster, inland flooding occurred, causing damage such as flooding in road underpasses and low-lying areas. When going outside, pay close attention to the safety of your footing, and drivers should not enter flooded roads. Following the issuance of the Level 5 Special Landslide Disaster Warning, the government has strengthened the system of the Prime Minister's Office Crisis Management Center to the Prime Minister's Office Liaison Office. I have also instructed officials to work closely with local governments, provide timely and accurate information to the public, rapidly ascertain the extent of damage if damage occurs, and make every effort to implement emergency disaster-response measures under a policy of putting human life first, and the government is responding accordingly. Note: Earlier, I accidentally posted a statement describing this as a “Level 5 Special Heavy Rain Warning.” I have corrected it and reposted it.
Translated from JapaneseThis morning, we held the first meeting of the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake Emergency Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction Headquarters. Despite her busy schedule, Governor Kimura of Kumamoto Prefecture attended and shared strong words about recovery and reconstruction. Governor Kimura expressed gratitude for our efforts to advance unprecedented measures based on the idea that “even if something could not be done before, what needs to be done should be newly undertaken.” More than one month has passed since the disaster struck. In light of the fact that the affected areas have shifted their organizational structure from an “emergency response headquarters” to what is known as a “recovery and reconstruction headquarters,” the government has also decided to abolish the “Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake Emergency Disaster Management Headquarters” and newly establish the “Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake Emergency Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction Headquarters” to build a support structure from a medium- to long-term perspective for the recovery and reconstruction of affected areas. We will further advance our efforts while working closely with Kumamoto Prefecture and other affected local governments. On the 27th of last month, the government decided on a “support package” built around three pillars: “rebuilding lives,” “rebuilding livelihoods,” and “disaster recovery.” For “rebuilding lives,” we are advancing the development of “hub evacuation shelters,” which provide basic living conditions such as toilets and meals, secure transportation—including buses—for evacuees, and then further improve the environment. Starting tomorrow, residents will begin moving into temporary housing in Hikawa Town. We will urgently secure housing where people can live with peace of mind. For “rebuilding livelihoods,” while supporting the continuation and resumption of businesses, we will launch the “Kyushu Recovery Support Discount” on October 1. Discount assistance for accommodation fees and other expenses will help drive the recovery of tourism demand. For “disaster recovery,” restoration of the main water pipes was completed at the end of August. At the same time, we will accelerate the restoration of infrastructure supporting daily life and regional economies by dispatching construction companies from outside the prefecture to repair “private wells” as well. With the “recovery and reconstruction headquarters” at the center, the government will act as one to promote swiftly and forcefully the measures compiled in the “support package.” We will do everything possible for those affected and the affected local governments. <Regarding Typhoon No. 24> Typhoon No. 24 is currently moving northwest over the East China Sea. A front is also stationary, and the need for vigilance against heavy rain will continue. Yesterday, the government held a meeting of the relevant ministries and agencies’ disaster-management council with Minister Akama in attendance, and is responding under the necessary state of alert. I instructed all ministers to remain extremely vigilant about rainfall patterns and take every possible measure for disaster management. <Regarding the designation as a particularly severe disaster for the heavy rain since August 27> Extensive damage has been confirmed in Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui and other prefectures from the heavy rain since August 27. Because this heavy rain has been judged to be part of the same sequence of weather events as the “series of weather phenomena from the Baiu front through the Chiba torrential rain” that was recently expected to receive designation, agricultural land and other areas are now expected to qualify for a “full designation” as a disaster of particular severity. I instructed the relevant ministers to promptly ascertain the extent of damage, including to public civil-engineering facilities such as roads and rivers. We are continuing to face a period in which many disasters caused by heavy rain and other events occur. We will proceed with vigilance and a strong sense of urgency.
Translated from JapaneseToday, I would like to congratulate my dear friend Giorgia (@GiorgiaMeloni) on becoming Italy’s longest continuously serving prime minister of the postwar era. I express my sincere respect for Giorgia’s tireless efforts to address various challenges for the Italian people since she became prime minister. Through the two Japan-Italy summit meetings held this year, we were able to reaffirm our friendship and mutual trust and further deepen relations between Japan and Italy. I would like us to continue developing the close relationship between our two countries, which this year became “special strategic partners” in the milestone year of the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Translated from JapaneseThe fiscal 2027 budget is the first budget to reflect the Takaichi administration’s “fundamental overhaul of the budget-making process,” including “breaking away from dependence on supplementary budgets” and the “Strong and Prosperous Japan Investment Framework” for crisis-management and growth investment, and we are positioning fiscal 2027 as the “first year of responsible proactive fiscal policy.” Today, the compiled figures for fiscal 2027 general-account initial budget requests and requested amounts, as well as the “Strong and Prosperous Japan Investment Framework,” were announced, bringing the total to approximately ¥143.1 trillion. The Takaichi administration is advancing the “break from dependence on supplementary budgets” by limiting supplementary budgets to matters of high urgency and providing for permanent measures in the initial budget, thereby moving away from the fiscal management that had continued to depend on supplementary budgets based on large-scale economic measures. In light of this, it is natural to compare the requested amount this time with the combined total of the fiscal 2025 supplementary budget and the fiscal 2026 initial budget; in real terms, this represents an increase of approximately ¥2.5 trillion over the previous fiscal year. Supplementary budgets inevitably have to be formulated within a short period, but by incorporating them into the initial-budget formulation process, we will be able to spend more time than ever discussing them from September through December, and will thereby further enhance “budget transparency and discipline.” In addition, yesterday I received from Minister Katayama a report on the Finance Ministry’s budget-formulation policy, including its “thinking on budget formulation for the ‘Strong and Prosperous Japan Investment Framework.’” Specifically, it states: ・By putting forward bold policies through unprecedented and flexible thinking, respond accurately to current economic conditions while drawing out private investment, increasing supply capacity and earning power, and achieving economic growth ・Make the budget effective through constructive discussion throughout the budget-formulation process, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of each measure. In other words, we are shifting to a rule under which a good idea will not go unrequested simply because there is a ceiling; if it is a good idea or good policy, the truly necessary budget amount may be requested. On the other hand, this does not mean that all of them will be approved. During the budget-formulation process, we will carefully examine their contribution to growth, their effect in inducing private investment, and other factors, and firmly assess whether the policy is genuinely effective. Through these efforts, under “responsible proactive fiscal policy,” the government as a whole will formulate a budget that realizes both “building a strong economy” and “fiscal sustainability” in an integrated manner.
Translated from JapaneseTyphoon No. 24 is expected to approach the Okinawa and Amami regions by Friday, the 4th. In the Okinawa and Amami regions, where the typhoon is approaching, remain alert and vigilant for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and rising river levels through Friday, the 4th, and be cautious of strong winds and high waves. In the early hours of today, Wednesday the 2nd, a linear rain band formed over the Tohoku region, bringing heavy rain. Going forward, the stalled front may become more active, and intermittent rain is expected to continue over a wide area, particularly along the Pacific side of eastern and western Japan, with the total rainfall potentially becoming very high. Across broad areas from eastern to western Japan, caution and vigilance against landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and rising river levels will be necessary from around Thursday the 3rd through Sunday the 6th. In the Hokuriku region, comprising Ishikawa, Toyama, and Fukui prefectures, which experienced heavy rain last week, the ground has been loosened by the record rainfall to date, creating a risk of landslides and other disasters even with small amounts of rain, so extreme caution is needed. In preparation for Typhoon No. 24 and heavy rain caused by the front and other factors, the Prime Minister’s Office has established an Information Liaison Office at the Prime Minister’s Office Crisis Management Center to collect information. We ask all members of the public to use the hazard maps prepared by their local governments to confirm their evacuation plans, including checking for themselves whether their homes and areas are safe, identifying evacuation sites and routes, understanding how to obtain evacuation information, checking their emergency supplies, and preparing the belongings they will take when evacuating. Please also pay close attention, via radio, television, the internet, and other sources, to disaster-prevention weather information and the latest evacuation information from local governments. If you feel even slightly at risk, please act early and without hesitation to protect your own life.
Translated from JapaneseToday, at the Ministry of Defense, I attended the meeting of senior Self-Defense Force commanders and delivered an address. Afterward, I invited the senior officers to the Prime Minister’s Office, where we exchanged frank views over lunch. During the Kumamoto Earthquake that occurred in July, the Self-Defense Forces responded with full force immediately after the disaster struck and provided wide-ranging support. I have heard that some personnel carried out their duties even while they themselves or their families had suffered damage. Even at this very moment, personnel are engaged in anti-piracy operations in the Middle East and Africa, conducting 24-hour, 365-day vigilance and surveillance to protect Japan’s territory, territorial waters, and airspace, and enduring demanding training. These steady, painstaking efforts have led to the unshakable trust that the people of Japan place in the Self-Defense Forces today, and expectations for the Self-Defense Forces are higher than ever. Within this year, we will revise the “Three Documents,” including the “National Security Strategy,” and set out a new direction for strengthening defense capabilities. Going forward, we must make thorough use of specialized fields such as AI, unmanned assets, space, cyberspace, and the electromagnetic spectrum. We must bring together the wisdom of many people, think through what defense capabilities are needed for the era ahead, and then decisively put them into action. And no matter how excellent the equipment we prepare, in the end, it is “people” who operate it. We will also work to improve conditions, including treatment for Self-Defense Force personnel, so that each member can advance in the noble mission of national defense with high morale and pride. We will resolutely protect the lives of the people and their peaceful way of life. As the supreme commander of the Self-Defense Forces, I have renewed that resolve.
Translated from Japanese本日、16時15分から、ネパールのシャハ首相（@PM_nepal_）との間で、電話会談を行いました。 私からは、ネパールの洪水被害で犠牲となられた方々に哀悼の誠を捧げ、御家族と被害に遭われた皆様に、心からのお見舞いを申し上げました。 日本でも、熊本地震や記録的豪雨により、各地で災害が相次ぎ、多くの方が被災されていますが、日本と同様、ネパールも災害多発国であることから、ネパールの難局に心を痛めていることをお伝えしました。 また、連絡が取れていない邦人5名の一刻も早い救援について、改めてネパール政府に最大限の協力をお願いしました。 これに対しては、シャハ首相から、全力で取り組んでいる旨のお話がありました。 日本政府としても、安否確認に全力を挙げています。 その上で、ネパールとの友好関係にかんがみ、被災者の方々を支援すべく、テントや毛布といった緊急援助物資の供与を行うことをお伝えしました。 この緊急援助物資は、日本国内での災害対応用とは別に、政府が海外に備蓄している、対外支援用の緊急物資を活用したものです。 アジアの友人であるネパールに対し、 今後も、国際機関を通じた支援や国際緊急援助隊派遣などの準備を行ってまいります。 また、本日は、「日・ネパール外交関係樹立70周年」 の記念日であり、両国関係の強化に向けても、シャハ首相と共に取り組んでまいります。
Translated from JapaneseToday is Disaster Prevention Day. The government conducted a “walking mobilization drill” assuming a Tokyo inland earthquake and, with the cooperation of Hokkaido Governor Suzuki, Aomori Prefecture Governor Miyashita, and Kushiro Mayor Tsuruma, conducted a “government headquarters operations drill” assuming a Chishima Trench earthquake and a Japan Trench earthquake. It confirmed the government’s response during the initial phase after a disaster occurs, as well as the division of roles and coordination among relevant organizations. Afterward, I participated in an on-site survey drill linked to the “Joint Disaster Prevention Drill of the Nine Prefectures and Cities,” held in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The “Joint Disaster Prevention Drill of the Nine Prefectures and Cities” included participants from the police, fire services, Self-Defense Forces, and Japan Coast Guard, as well as the U.S. military and experts in the medical and health fields. In addition to observing “rescue and relief drills” and other exercises conducted through cooperation among various organizations, I myself also participated in training to ・set up a “one-touch tent” ・perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation using an AED. Such drills become a source of strength for protecting precious lives when an emergency occurs, and that strength becomes more reliable each time the drills are repeated. Natural disasters can occur at any time and anywhere. The government is working to fundamentally strengthen the disaster-prevention system by mobilizing the full strength of industry, government, academia, and the public, including expanding personnel and the budget, toward establishing the “Disaster Management Agency” within this year. The agency will serve as the “command center” for thorough “pre-disaster prevention” and “consistent disaster response” from action when a disaster occurs through recovery and reconstruction. To prepare for the feared Tokyo inland earthquake and Nankai Trough earthquake, it is important not only for the national and local governments and relevant organizations to coordinate closely, but also for each and every member of the public to have an awareness of “protecting one’s own life” and “protecting one’s community” and to prepare on a regular basis. I strongly hope that, on this occasion of Disaster Prevention Day, you will check your own and your family’s “disaster preparedness.” We are continuing through a period in which many disasters caused by heavy rain and other factors occur. As the government, we will remain vigilant and approach the situation with a sense of urgency. Once again, I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who cooperated with today’s drills.
Translated from JapaneseI welcome the unanimous reappointment of Masato Kanda as president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which works on development issues in the Asia-Pacific region, with the support of its member countries. I, too, together with Finance Minister Katayama, called on the member countries to support President Kanda, and I express my gratitude for the member countries’ support this time. Since taking office in February last year, President Kanda has worked to resolve the challenges facing the region and the international community, including formulating a strategy on critical minerals and responding to the situation in the Middle East. I believe this re-election reflects the recognition of these achievements. Under President Kanda’s leadership, I hope that the ADB, together with its member countries, will make an even greater contribution to addressing increasingly complex development challenges and achieving sustainable growth in the region.
Translated from JapaneseRegarding the “Emergency Measure to Mitigate Sharp Fluctuations” in light of the situation in the Middle East, we decided to continue keeping gasoline prices at approximately ¥170/liter on average nationwide. Today, the Cabinet decided to use the “Contingency Reserve for Responses to the Situation in the Middle East and Other Matters” and disburse the amount required for this and other responses (¥616 billion) to “funds” and other entities. Addressing the “high prices” facing the people is the top priority since the Takaichi Cabinet was inaugurated in October last year. Against this backdrop, as the situation in the Middle East became unstable from the end of February this year and crude oil prices surged, since March 19 we have provided subsidies under the “Emergency Measure to Mitigate Sharp Fluctuations” to keep gasoline prices at approximately ¥170/liter on average nationwide. Before the measure began, the price was approximately ¥190/liter on March 16, but without this measure it would still be approximately ¥196/liter according to the latest survey as of August 24. As a result of the Takaichi Cabinet’s measures, the gasoline price was ¥169.9/liter as of the latest August 24 data, making Japan the least expensive among Japan, the United States and Europe. We have also provided similar subsidies for diesel, heavy oil and kerosene, and through these efforts have strongly supported public transportation, agriculture, forestry and fisheries. On the other hand, the situation in the Middle East remains uncertain and the outlook for crude oil prices is difficult to determine. To protect the “lives and livelihoods of the people” and prevent disruption to “economic activity,” we therefore decided to continue keeping gasoline prices at approximately ¥170/liter on average nationwide, leading to today’s decision. Going forward, we will closely monitor the impact of the situation in the Middle East on price trends and the economy and respond without missing the timing, using the “Contingency Reserve for Responses to the Situation in the Middle East and Other Matters” (¥2.5 trillion) as necessary so that people’s livelihoods and economic activity are not disrupted.
Translated from JapaneseToday, we held the Prime Minister’s Award and the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Award for fiscal 2026 for “Creating a Work Environment Where Care Workers Can Work Comfortably.” In the fields of care and welfare, the number of service users is increasing while the working-age population is declining. Improving productivity and creating an environment where care workers can work with energy and fulfillment has therefore become the most important challenge. These awards recognize care providers whose efforts to improve staff treatment, develop human resources, and raise productivity in care settings are particularly outstanding, while also publicizing their efforts and encouraging initiatives nationwide. At “おはなリハ ケアマネステーション,” which received the Prime Minister’s Award, efforts have advanced to “use ICT” and “establish flexible ways of working” based on the idea of “creating a workplace where people do not have to give up either their work or time with their families, and can demonstrate their productivity.” This has produced major results, including: ・The recording time per case was reduced from 45 minutes to 5 minutes, ・the annual turnover rate improved from 30% to 0%. Award-winning providers receiving the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Award have also achieved results through the use of ICT and care equipment, including: ・The time spent sharing information, such as during handovers, was reduced from one hour per day to 10 minutes, ・the proportion of employees leaving because of back pain fell from 32% to 0%, ・the time needed to create the daily transportation plan fell from 120 minutes to 15 minutes. Under the “Act Partially Amending the Social Welfare Act and Other Acts,” enacted by the previous Diet, promoting efforts such as productivity improvement is now the responsibility of the national and prefectural governments. At the one-stop consultation counters established in every prefecture, we will continue supporting the introduction of care technologies based on the “Labor-Saving Investment Promotion Plan” and other measures, while also promoting awareness by preparing an “Easy-to-Understand Collection of Examples” of productivity-improvement efforts. Looking ahead to the fiscal 2027 revision of long-term care remuneration, we will also consider, alongside improving the treatment of care workers, how best to appropriately evaluate efforts to improve productivity and the work environment.
Translated from JapaneseRecently, an acquaintance said to me, “Are the lives and health of the Japanese sailors stranded in the Persian Gulf all right? I feel sorry that it has gone on for so long.” Until now, out of consideration for the privacy of the crew members, I had not, in particular, been providing timely reports to the public, but after hearing what my acquaintance said, I realized that there are also people who do not closely follow the news and other reports, so I am writing down the current situation. When the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed, 45 Japan-related vessels (of which 5 were Japanese-flagged vessels) and 24 Japanese crew members were stranded in the Persian Gulf. As a result of making the utmost efforts, including continued outreach by myself, Foreign Minister Motegi and Japanese government officials to their counterparts in Iran and the countries concerned, all the Japanese crew members had safely left the Persian Gulf by June 19, and all the Japanese-flagged vessels by July 9. For various reasons, including ship breakdowns, 3 Japan-related vessels (vessels flying other countries’ flags) still remain in the Persian Gulf, but the safety and health of the foreign crew members have been confirmed. Regarding the vessels of all countries, the Japanese government will continue to make the utmost efforts to ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Translated from Japanese