K I ZU NA
Special Issue

Linking Japan and the WorldNew Year
2022

KIZUNA

KANAZAWA SHOKO
Calligraphy Artist
Born in Tokyo in 1985, she started learning
calligraphy from her mother when she wasfive years old. One of the notable young
calligraphers of today, her solo exhibitions
have been held throughout the world,in cities such as New York, Singapore,and Prague. She was selected as one of theofficial poster artists for Tokyo 2020.

Welcome to KIZUNA, the official
magazine of the Government of Japan.
This bold work of calligraphy is
絆(kizuna) written in Japanese. Kizuna
means the enduring bonds between
people—close relationships forgedthrough mutual trust and support.
Originally describing the rope used
to tether domestic animals such as
horses and dogs, the meaning of
kizuna has evolved over the years. A
passage in The Tale of the Heike,compiled in the 13th century, uses theterm to refer to the bonds of love
between a father and his children.
More recently, kizuna has gone
beyond bonds tying together family
and close acquaintances; it is now
used in a broader sense of human ties
and connections. Of particular note is
the kizuna born among people during
natural calamities, which fosters
feelings of solidarity and serves as theunderlying strength to overcome
hardships.
Similarly, the kizuna cultivatedamong the countries of the world has
the power to deepen cooperation for abetter future. By reporting on a wide
variety of topics concerning Japan, we
hope that this magazine will provide
opportunities for Japan and the rest of
the world to connect and build
strong kizuna.

CONTENTS
04

Carving Out the Future:
A Policy Speech by PM Kishida

06

Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio’s
Personal Timeline

08

Prime Minister’s First Overseas Trip:
COP26 World Leaders Summit Statement

10

Toward a New Form of Capitalism:
Outline of the Emergency Proposal fromthe Council of New Form of Capitalism
Realization

12

Economic Measures to Overcome
COVID-19 and Pioneer a New Era
PORTRAITS OF JAPAN

14

Tranquility and Serenity:
A Peaceful Japanese Winter

TO READ MORE CONTENT,CHECK OUT OUR WEB MAGAZINE
https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/

New Year 2022

COVER
Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio andPresident Joe Biden of the UnitedStates greet each other with an elbow
bump at the COP26 World Leaders
Summit held in Glasgow, United
Kingdom.

03

CARVING OUT
THE FUTURE :A POLICY SPEECH BY PM KISHIDAAN EXCERPTDECEMBER 6, 2021
Full Text: https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/statement/202112/_00002.html

Having received a vote of confidence from thepeople, I will take on the extremely difficult challengesof overcoming COVID-19 and carving out a new era,
together with my fellow members of the Diet and myfellow citizens.
Overcoming COVID-19; economic countermeasures forpioneering a new era
The important thing is to assume the worst-case scenario.
In order to respond to the risk of the Omicron variant, wehave taken the decision to suspend the entry of foreign
nationals, applicable to the entire world. I am prepared tobear all the criticism that, although the situation is still not
well understood, this is excessively cautious. We adhere
to the position that we will respond in a careful, cautious
manner. I made the decision to prepare for a spread of
infections, and we have injected government funds at ascale of 13 trillion yen.
At the same time, we will provide careful assistanceat a scale of 17 trillion yen to individuals and business
operators who are in severely trying situations because of
COVID-19.
That said, the world is changing dramatically in terms ofdigitalization and responses to the issue of climate change.
We have injected government funds at a scale of 20 trillion
yen, and Japan will take a major step forward towards
carving out a new era.
On the basis of this clear idea, we have named theselarge-scale measures at 55.7 trillion yen in total size the“economic measures to overcome COVID-19 and pioneer
a new era.”
Responses to COVID-19
I am determined to restore peace of mind to the public04

and protect the lives and health of our citizens to the end.
First, we will ensure that our medical treatment
structure is solidly in place, with the next increase in thenumber of cases firmly in mind.
Second, we will lower the threat of COVID-19 to thegreatest possible extent as society as a whole. We will
fundamentally strengthen the entire course of progression
from prophylaxis and discovery to early treatment bymaking vaccines, screening, and orally administeredtherapeutics much more widespread.
The third is preparing a long-running system for
responding to infectious disease crises.
Support for economic recovery
Because of COVID-19, we will support throughsubsidies households that are in difficult economic straits,
university students in severe economic circumstances, andhouseholds raising children. For business operators, wewill vigorously support measures for business revival.
Based on a policy of loosening restrictions on activities
through the use of vaccines and testing as a package, wewill work to restart socioeconomic activities that are close
to normal.
A “new form of capitalism” that carves out our future society
What I aim for once we have overcome the crisis
caused by COVID-19 is the realization of a “new form ofcapitalism.”
The first point is our Growth Strategy. The public andprivate sectors will together play their roles and collaborate
in making bold investments for growth.
(1) Innovation
We will promote innovations achieved through scienceand technology and increase the economy’s ability tocreate added value, while also dramatically strengthening
the ecosystem surrounding start-ups. We will also actively
undertake university reform and establish a university
fund of 10 trillion yen within this fiscal year.
(2) A Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation
The “Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation” will use
digitalization to advance the revitalization of local areas
and additionally bring about bottom-up growth, movingfrom our regions to the nation as a whole.
(3) The issue of climate change
As we work towards achieving carbon neutrality by
2050 and realizing a 46 percent reduction in greenhousegas emissions by 2030, we will review restrictions on the
maximum introduction of renewable energy while pushing
forward with bold investments in the field of clean energy.
(4) Economic security
With a view to further enhancing the resilience of the
supply chain and better ensuring the reliability of core
infrastructure, we will aim to submit new bills to next
year’s ordinary session of the Diet, based on consultations
with the ruling coalition.
We will establish Japan’s economic security, and at thesame time call in private-sector investment into thesefields, thereby realizing economic growth.
Distributions to people are not a cost, but rather aninvestment towards the future. Through the public andprivate sectors playing their respective roles together,
we distribute the fruits of growth properly. At the sametime, stimulating consumption leads to the next round ofgrowth.
The government will take the initiative and raise salaries
in fields such as medical nursing, nursing care, child care,and preschool education. Beyond that, we will make allout efforts to prepare an environment that supports wage
increases at private companies.
In order to make investments in human resources more
active, we will newly establish a package of measures at ascale of 400 billion yen over three years.
Diplomacy and security
I will visit the United States at the earliest possible
date and meet with President Biden for talks, further
reinforcing the deterrence and response capabilities of theJapan-U.S. Alliance. Working together with like-mindedcountries in ASEAN, Europe, and elsewhere, and utilizing
the Quad among Japan, the United States, Australia, andIndia, we will deepen our cooperation towards realizing aFree and Open Indo-Pacific.
I am determined to work extensively on maintaining
and strengthening the international order, which is basedon universal values and rules including dealing withinternational human rights issues.
In order to protect the lives and livelihoods of the Japanesepeople, we will realistically examine all options, including
possessing what is called “enemy base attack capability,”
without excluding any possibilities, and, with a sense of
speed, fundamentally reinforce our defense capabilities.
Towards this end, over the course of roughly a year we willdraw up a new National Security Strategy, National Defense
Program Guidelines, and a Mid-Term Defense Program.
To enable us to move even one step closer to a world freeof nuclear weapons, we will advance realistic efforts basedon trust and cooperation between nuclear weapon states
and non-nuclear weapon states.
The abductions issue is one of the highest priority issues.
We will make all-out efforts to bring about the return of all
abductees to Japan at the earliest possible date. Japan seeks
to normalize relations with North Korea, through thesettling of the “unfortunate past” and the comprehensive
resolution of the outstanding issues of concern with North
Korea, such as the abductions, nuclear, and missile issues.
Disaster response
Another important mission for the government is
protecting citizens’ lives, property, and livelihoods fromdisasters. We are strengthening our efforts to prevent andreduce disasters and enhance national resilience.
We will continue to make all-out efforts towards
reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake
while staying attentive to the voices of those in the disasterstricken areas.
Conclusion
I am fully convinced that Japan will be able to change
significantly by each of us demonstrating our potential to
the full and resolutely continuing to take on challenges.
Together, let us carry out our responsibilities to the next
generation and carve out a future of Japan in which we cantake pride on the global stage. 05PRIMEMINISTERKISHIDAFUMIO’SPERSONAL
TIMELINE

On October 4, Kishidaconducted his first press
conference as prime minister.

July 29, 1957
Born in Tokyo
Kishida was born in Tokyo in the early years of Japan’s economic boom—when the country was getting back on
its feet after the war—as the son of KISHIDA Fumitake, a government official at the Ministry of International Tradeand Industry (currently the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry). His grandfather, KISHIDA Masaki, was a
successful department store proprietor who also served as a member of the House of Representatives.

1963
Moves to New YorkWhen his father was assigned to work in the United States, the family
moved to New York. Kishida attended a local public elementary schoolfrom the first to third grades, where he was impressed by the liberal
ambience of the U.S. and learned to respect diversity.

1973
Student Days

Kishida (top row, second from right) withclassmates in Queens, New York.

After returning to Japan, Kishida attended public elementary and middle
schools before going on to Kaisei Senior High School, a prestigious
private academy. He was an enthusiastic member of the baseball team, an
experience that taught him the importance of working together as a team.
In 1978, he entered the School of Law at Waseda University. When his
father ran for the House of Representatives for the first time the following
year, Kishida helped him to campaign.

1982
Gains Work Experience at a Bank

Kishida (center) played second base for hishigh school team.

After graduating, Kishida joined the Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan (currently Shinsei Bank). He worked inforeign exchange in Tokyo and was subsequently transferred to the city of Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture where
his clients included maritime shipping firms. He gained firsthand knowledge of the unfavorable economic reality
there by watching small and medium-sized enterprises sometimes founder and fail due to cash-flow problems.

06

1993
Joins the Political World
Helping his father’s campaign and working for a bank awakened in
Kishida an urge to serve the people directly by protecting their lives
and improving society as a whole. That set him on his way to politics.
In 1993, after his father’s death, he ran for his father’s seat in a districtin Hiroshima and won his first political battle. He valued politicalstumping as a way to speak directly to voters—an approach thatbroadened his appeal and led to his winning the seat 10 times.

Kishida receives his
parliamentary badge
after being elected to
the House ofRepresentatives forthe first time.

2007
Receives First Cabinet Posting
Kishida joined the Cabinet for the first time as a Minister of Statefor Special Missions, a position in which he took on assignments invarious fields including Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs,
Quality-of-Life Policy, and Science and Technology Policy. He
became Minister for Consumer Affairs in 2008, a position from which
he worked for the establishment of the Consumer Affairs Agency.

Kishida favors a hands-on approach and has visitedmany places throughout the country.

2012
Appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs
In 2015, Kishida strove for the bilateralagreement between Japan and the Republicof Korea regarding the issue of comfort
women which was “resolved finally andirreversibly.” In 2016, he helped to actualize
a visit to Hiroshima by President Barack
Obama, the first ever such visit by a sitting
U.S. president. Kishida served as Minister of
Foreign Affairs consecutively for four years
and seven months, making him the longestserving foreign minister in postwar Japan.

October 4, 2021
Becomes Prime Minister
Upon winning the election for Liberal
Democratic Party president, Kishida was
appointed Prime Minister of Japan by an
extraordinary session of the Diet. He vowed
to lend a sincere ear to the voices of theJapanese people and to conduct politics in
an attentive and broad-minded manner.

Top: Kishida visited New York in 2016 to attend a
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as the chair.
Left:Kishida explains the symbolism of the Atomic
Bomb Dome to U.S. President Obama.

Kishida filled nearly 30 notebooks in 10
years with comments and appeals from thepeople of Japan.

His favorite food is Hiroshima-styleokonomiyaki ( Japanese savory pancake).
He ate the dish on the day that he waselected to head the Liberal Democratic
Party. “I’ll never forget how wonderful
it tasted,” he says.

07

PRIME MINISTER’SFIRST OVERSEAS TRIP
COP26 WORLD LEADERS SUMMIT STATEMENTNOVEMBER 2, 2021
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/100_kishida/statement/202111/_00002.html

On November 2, Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio visited Glasgow, the United Kingdom on his first overseas trip
to attend the World Leaders Summit of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) and other events.
On that occasion, the prime minister held bilateral summit meetings with the leaders of the United States, the United
Kingdom, Australia, and Viet Nam, and with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. He also exchanged words withmany other heads of state.
In his speech at the World Leaders Summit, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his own determination that Japan would
work in full force to take on climate change, a common challenge of humankind. The following is the full text of his speech.

Prime Minister Kishidaattended the World
Leaders Summit of the
COP26 in the U.K. There,
he pledged to provide up
to an additional 10 billion
USD in the coming five
years to support the
decarbonization of Asiaand beyond.

At the outset, let me start by commending my friend,
Boris, for his leadership in hosting the COP 26.
I have come all the way to Glasgow to convey myown determination that Japan will be working in fullforce to take on climate change, a common challengeof humankind.
Six years have passed since the adoption of theParis Agreement. At that time, under the leadership08of then President Laurent Fabius, we had renewed
our resolve. We must not forget that very moment.
“Fumio, I really want to give this to you.” To this day,I have been keeping and cherishing the gavel that myfriend Laurent presented to me as a testament to myown resolution to confront the climate issue seriously.
To achieve our goal, this coming decade will be
critical. Together, with high ambitions, let us do allwe can going forward!
“Net-zero by 2050”; Japan will realize this goal
under our newly adopted Long-term Strategy.
I assure that Japan aims to reduce its greenhousegas emissions by 46% in the fiscal year 2030 from its
fiscal year 2013 levels, and that Japan will continue
strenuous efforts in its challenge to meet the lofty
goal of cutting its emissions by 50%.
Mr. President,
To bring about a decarbonized society, Japan will
introduce renewable energy as much as possible, andlead the way in the clean energy transition, with aparticular focus on Asia.
Since solar power plays a major role in thetransition to renewables in Asia, to help stabilize
electrical frequency in the region, converting existing
thermal power generations into zero-emission power
generation is a necessary path. To this end, Japan,
through the Asia Energy Transition Initiative, willdevelop leading projects worth 100 million USD
to transform fossil-fuel-fired thermal power into
zero-emission thermal power such as ammonia andhydrogen. Developed countries are collectively
committed to the 100 billion USD per year goal ofclimate finance. However, we have not yet achieved
this target. In order to lead the initiative in fulfilling
this financial gap, today, I am pleased to announce ouradditional contribution. Japan announced last June
our contribution to provide support worth 60 billion
USD, both in public and private finance, in the next
five years. On top of that, Japan will provide up to 10
billion USD in the coming five years, which would
include our contribution to the launch of Innovative
Financial Facility for Climate as we partner with the
Asian Development Bank and others to support the
decarbonization of Asia and beyond.
Together with Boris, Japan will call on otherdeveloped countries to join us in our collective
efforts.
Capitalizing on these initiatives, Japan will press
onward to undertake efforts toward net-zero emissionsin Asia, the engine of global economic growth.
With an aim to realizing a future where vehicles,
the world’s essentials, will become zero emission,
Japan will take advantage of all the available optionsof technologies.

Top: At a high-level event on
infrastructure and climatechange, Prime Minister Kishidasaid that he would lead theinternational community’scommitment to achieving abetter recovery fromCOVID-19.
Right: In between the meetings,
the prime minister actively
engaged in summit diplomacy
including talks with President
Joe Biden of the United States.

By utilizing our own 2 trillion yen Green Innovation
Fund, Japan will develop next-generation batteries
and motors, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels, which all
hold the key to the spread of electric vehicles.
While spreading the fruits of these innovations
across Asia, Japan will spearhead global efforts.
Furthermore, Japan will be participating in the
Global Methane Pledge. As we are moving forwardin the transition to decarbonization, the ongoingissue of rising energy prices also calls for our joint
discussions among leaders to meet the challenge.
For adaptation to climate change, Japan will
double our assistance to approximately 14.8 billion
USD such as in the area of disaster risk reduction.
Concerning global forestry conservation, I hereby
announce that Japan will provide financial assistanceworth approximately 240 million USD, utilizing
advanced technologies and working in collaboration
with the international organizations.
No one must be left behind as we confront the issueof climate change. Japan will dedicate all its strength
to undertake actions and contribute to the future ofhumankind.
Thank you.

09

TOWARD A NEW
FORM OF CAPITALISM:OUTLINE OF THE EMERGENCY PROPOSAL FROM THE
COUNCIL OF NEW FORM OF CAPITALISM REALIZATIONNOVEMBER 8, 2021
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/ongoingtopics/_00001.html

At his inaugural press conference in October 2021, Japan’s new prime minister KISHIDA Fumio announced
his aim to realize a new form of capitalism.
There is a growing trend around the world to search out a capitalist economy for the new era in which
corporations and governments make bold investments, while protecting the middle class—which forms the coreof a healthy democracy—and preparing for global-scale crises such as climate change. The new initiative of theKishida administration aims to take the lead of that global trend, focusing on sustainability and human capital.
The core concepts of the new initiative are “a virtuous cycle of growth and distribution” and “developing a
new post-COVID-19 society.” Growth strategy and distribution strategy will work in tandem to realize them.
On November 8, the emergency proposal was formulated by the Council of New Form of Capitalism
Realization, which was established to shape a vision toward the realization of a new form of capitalism andtranslate it into concrete measures. It emphasizes that growth must be realized first—positioning the growthstrategy as the trigger for the virtuous circle of growth and distribution—while also stating that the distribution
strategy serves as an essential foundation for sustainable growth. The proposal urges Japan to mobilize all
possible policies toward the realization of the virtuous cycle of growth and distribution.
Outline of the basic ideas of the emergency proposal
Since the 1980s, a growing emphasis has beenplaced on short-term shareholder value, resulting
in a sluggish growth of the middle class, widening
disparities, an increasing burden on subcontractors,
and adverse effects on the natural environmentand others. Thus, the government, private sector,

Prime Minister Kishida established a Council of the New Form of
Capitalism Realization to discuss concrete measures to realize a new form ofcapitalism.

10

universities, local communities, and citizens andconsumers should all play their respective roles tosolve pending issues. Private companies are requested
to enhance their mid- to long-term earning power bystrengthening their investments in the future in areas
such as human capital, and to achieve sustainablegrowth by circulating their profits through wage
increases and other distributions, as well as throughfurther investment in the future. We are committed tobuilding a sustainable capitalism focused on various
stakeholders. While our basic principle is to realize
economic growth by utilizing market functions, it isalso important for the public and private sectors towork together to create an economy for a new era,with the government providing a supplementary
response in areas that are not sufficiently addressed.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people’s
mindset about their work style and lifestyle haschanged, with digital transformation—which

The emergency proposal
was formulated at themeeting held on
November 8.

until now had not proceeded very far—suddenly
beginning to make rapid progress. Now is the time
to reform conventional socioeconomic practices
and restrictions as well as institutions to build a newsociety premised on coexisting with COVID-19.
As a trigger for a virtuous cycle of growth anddistribution, it is necessary to realize growth in thefirst place. We need to promote efforts to realize
a science and technology nation, including thosefor digital transformation (DX) and growth of thegreen sector toward a solution to the climate change,
thereby drastically strengthening our capacity forinnovation. We also need to provide comprehensive
support for startups as the driver of innovation thatwill carve out the future of Japan. It is also important
to use innovation to solve social issues in a bid tocreate a highly convenient society and to promote
the improvement of productivity in a wide range ofindustries and enterprises, thereby helping to createof a prosperous middle class.
Our distribution strategy serves as an important
foundation for growth. Consumption is expected
to increase through distribution to employees in
the form of wages, which then stimulates demand,
leading to improvement in corporate earnings andsustainable growth. In order to realize growth anddistribution at the same time, it is necessary tostrengthen investment in people through efforts
ranging from those in childcare and early education,
to those within companies. We must also respect
diversity and inclusivity to create a society where all
citizens can participate and play an active role andestablish an environment where each individual cancreate added value.
From such perspectives, Japan should mobilize all
possible policies toward the realization of a virtuous
cycle of growth and distribution that will thenachieve subsequent growth. To this end, it is essential
to increase productivity through our growth strategy
and to distribute the fruits of that growth in theform of wages to working people, thereby raising theincome level of a broad range of citizens.

Issues to be addressed as an utmost priority
The emergency proposal outlines the multiple
measures that should now be given utmost priority
by the Kishida administration.
Under the growth strategy, the top priority
is promoting the realization of a science andtechnology nation, to which end, a university
fund will be established at a scale of 10 trillion yen
during the current fiscal year. The second priority is
promoting the revival of the dynamism of Japanesecompanies and providing comprehensive support
for startups as the driver of innovation while
simultaneously strengthening tax support for large
companies assisting startups. The third priority
is launching a Vision for a Digital Garden City
Nation by implementing digital technology such as
telework, drone delivery and autonomous driving,
beginning with local regions. The fourth and finalpriority is promoting economic security. A fundwill be established, with innovative technologies
to be developed in crucial areas such as artificial
intelligence and quantum technology.
Under the distribution strategy, the first course ofaction will be to provide support to the private sector
to strengthen the distribution of wealth. Support will
be drastically strengthened within the tax code forcompanies that raise wages to increase the percentageof the distribution allocated to labor. The second
course of action will be to strengthen the distributionfunction in the public sector. Public prices will berevised to increase the incomes of those working at
facilities providing medical nursing, elderly care,childcare services, and the like.
In response to this emergency proposal, thegovernment will make a concerted effort to
immediately address the matters outlined. The
Council of a New Form of Capitalism Realization
will continue to conduct brisk discussions to compile,by next spring, a grand design and an outline of theapproaches to substantialize it, and will keep theworld informed of its progress. 

11ECONOMIC MEASURESTO OVERCOME COVID-19 AND PIONEER A NEW ERANOVEMBER 19, 2021

On November 19, the Japanese government determined new economic measures amounting to a projectwith a scale of 78.9 trillion yen, accompanied by a fiscal expenditure of 55.7 trillion yen.
Japan’s national economy, having suffered damage due to the COVID-19 epidemic, remains beset bynumerous difficulties. The number of new infections is on the wane, however, and restrictions on the activities
of Japanese people are gradually being eased.
The government will turn this situation into an opportunity and use the momentum of the new measures torestart socioeconomic activity at a near-normal level, as quickly and as early as possible, while still in the
COVID-19 era. A “New Form of Capitalism” will be launched to achieve a virtuous cycle of growth anddistribution, thereby setting the economy on a self-sustaining growth trajectory.
In order not to lose any of the momentum that Japan has gained so far, the government will adopt all feasiblemeans of risk management to deal with a possible resurgence of COVID-19. In addition, the government will
pay close attention to the downside risks that a new wave of infections or a disturbance in supply chains would
pose, thus preventing the bottom from falling out of the economy.
The four pillars of the new economic strategy and their economic effects are as follows:

Ⅰ

Prevention of the spread of new coronavirus infections

22.1

trillion yen

In view of the suppressed infection rate due to the increase in vaccinations, the government will reinforce
the medical care system, promote further
vaccinations, and ensure the procurementof therapeutic drugs. In conjunction withthese efforts, the government will disburse
cash benefits, in proportion to the scale ofoperations, to business owners who havesuffered a significant impact. Financial aid will
also be offered to people in dire circumstances.

Ⅱ Resumption of socioeconomic activities in a “Live withCoronavirus” environment and preparation for the next crisis

9.2

trillion yen

Vaccines and testing packages will be used to monitor and control the risk of infection spread. To stimulate theresumption of socioeconomic activity, the government will endeavor to boost demand in business sectors thathave suffered significant losses due to COVID-19. The government will promote the domestic development ofvaccines and therapeutic drugs in preparation for the possible appearance of new variants and/or new infectious
diseases. Japan will also contribute to international efforts to end the worldwide spread of COVID-19.

12

Ⅲ Launching a “New Form of Capitalism” to carve out
a future society

19.8

trillion yen

By growing the economy and distributing the fruits of that growth, Japan will achieve a widespread increasein national income, leading to further economic growth. In order to realize this virtuous cycle of growth anddistribution, the government will promote a growth strategy for a post-COVID society by making boldinvestments toward three primary pillars: the realization of a “science and technology nation,” the launch of a
“Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation,” and the attainment of economic security. The government will also
implement a distribution strategy that strongly supports the strengthening of distribution in the private sector, as
well as bolstering the distributive functions in the public sector.
Regarding the growth strategy, the realization of a “science and technology nation” will include theestablishment of a 10-trillion-yen university fund, investment in clean energy, and thorough support for startups. The “Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation” will involve the development of digital infrastructure, thepromotion of online administrative procedures, the encouragement of local regions to become the originators ofchange, the revitalization of agriculture, forestry and fishery industries, along with that of the tourist industry, andassistance to small and medium-sized enterprises to enable them to refurbish themselves and improve productivity.
Furthermore, a fundamental reinforcement of economic security will provide the nation with autonomy,competitiveness, and indispensability, and ensure that Japan achieves an autonomous economic structure.
The distribution strategy calls for a strong investment in people, thereby bringing security and growth. The
measures that the government will undertake include support for pay increases, investment in human capital andwork-style reform, increased distribution to non-regular employees, a review of the state of public prices, andsupport for children and their caregivers. These measures will build a society that leaves no one behind and will
strengthen distribution to workers as well as to those who have not benefited from economic growth in the past.

Ⅳ Ensuring safety and peace of mind through measures
to prevent and reduce disasters and to enhancenational resilience

4.6

trillion yen

Measures to prevent and reduce disasters and to enhance national resilience will be taken against storm andflood damage, which has become increasingly catastrophic and frequent due to the effects of climate change, as
well as against large-scale earthquakes and tsunamis.
Every effort will be poured into the restoration and reconstruction necessitated by the Great East Japan
Earthquake of March 2011 and other natural disasters, including the torrential rains of summer 2021.
Furthermore, as the security environment surrounding Japan is becoming increasingly severe, the country will
resolutely defend its territory, territorial waters, and airspace, as well as the lives and assets of the Japanese people.

Economic effect of the new measures
The smooth and steady application of these measures will strengthen the economy,
offset the downside risks, deal effectively with the threat posed by COVID-19,
stimulate private-sector demand, and place the economy on a self-sustaining growthtrajectory led by that demand.
New expenditures related to the above measures are estimated to support and boost
real GDP by approximately 5.6%.

GDP
%
5.6
boost

13

PORTRAITS OF JAPANTRANQUILITY
AND SERENITY:A PEACEFUL JAPANESE WINTER

Surrounded by seas, the Japanese archipelago is surprisingly cold in winter, with plenty of snow.
Its climate has given birth to fantastical scenery, fostering local, technical solutions.

14

SEA FOG
The Seto Inland Sea is rimmed Honshu
and the Island of Shikoku. On cold, bright
winter mornings, this long, thin body ofwater produces a layer of fog when air ladenwith moisture becomes chilled. Superb viewsof the phenomenon can be enjoyed fromthe observatory in Mihara City, Hiroshima
Prefecture, looking out over more than 700
islands and islets dotting the fog in a tapestry
that never repeats itself, creating a magicalfantasy world.

Kanazawa
MiharaSNOWY GARDEN
Owing to the winds blowing infrom the sea, the area facing the
Sea of Japan has heavy, moist
winter snows. At Kenroku-en
Garden (Kanazawa City, Ishikawa
Prefecture)—one of Japan’s finest
with over 300 years of history—
numerous pine trees are trussedwith rope during the winter, giving
extra support to branches ladenwith the heavy snow. The beautiful
conical shapes, produced throughtraditional wisdom and skill, aretopographical poems symbolizing
the Japanese winter.
H_YASUI/GETTY IMAGESNEW YEAR’S
DELICACIESPIXTAThe Japanese New Year comes with special delicacies. The
custom of placing lucky foods in tiered boxes and eatingthem at seasonal milestone originated as a way of expressing
the concept “stacked with luck.” Each of the foods is madewith long-lasting ingredients, enabling the entire family to
eat leisurely during the New Year holiday period. In that way,
Japanese people celebrate the beginning of the year in peace.

15

K I ZUNA
https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/