POLICY & DIPLOMACYBUILDING A POSTCOVID-19
NEW JAPAN:
POLICY SPEECH BY PM KISHIDAAN EXCERPTJANUARY 17, 2022
Full Text: https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/statement/202201/_00009.html

Introduction
The highest priority issue for the administration is
responding to COVID-19. It is precisely because we arefacing the hardship of COVID-19 that, rather than standtransfixed, we should build a post-COVID-19 new Japan,
with everyone taking up this challenge in cooperation.
Fundamental approach to COVID-19 responses
I advance our responses based on the most up-to-dateknowledge in a level-headed manner, as I listen to the viewsof experts. Even for policies on which decisions have alreadybeen taken, I intend to once again develop our response
flexibly and without hesitation if a better approach exists.
Responses to the Omicron strain
By adopting the most stringent border measures among
the G7 countries, we have minimized the inflow of theOmicron strain and we have had time to prepare for anincrease in the number of domestic cases of infection. Wewill maintain the framework of border measures until theend of February.
Beyond that, from now we will place importance on
domestic countermeasures. We will redouble our efforts toensure that our medical treatment structures are solidly inplace, with a focus on providing unerring medical treatment
to patients with severe or moderate symptoms and persons
at high risk.
Reinforcing our domestic framework of prevention,testing, and early treatment will also be critical. We willfurther accelerate the schedule for administering the thirdvaccine dose. The orally administered therapeutic has
already been delivered to medical facilities.
A new form of capitalism
From the perspectives of both our Growth Strategy andour Distribution Strategy, we will embed structures into

capitalism that correct its various harmful effects, thereby
maximizing the benefits that capitalism brings.
Under our Growth Strategy we will work to resolve social
issues, including digitalization, climate change, economic
security, and science, technology and innovation, andalso bring together investments from both the public andprivate sectors into fields where Japan has been weak thus
far to transform them into engines for growth.
We will also confront the problems of distribution anddisparities head on, leading to subsequent growth. In thisway, we will set the economy in motion from both thegrowth and distribution fronts, and by giving rise to a
virtuous cycle, we will create a sustainable economy.
The first pillar of the Growth Strategy is revitalizing
regions through digitalization. We will vigorously promotea Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation while also
realizing bottom-up growth, from the regions to the nation
as a whole.
Economic security is also a major pillar. We will enact
new laws to, among other things, provide support formaking the supply chain more resilient, prepare a safety
pre-screening system for critical equipment and systems
within core infrastructure, and prepare a patent nondisclosure system for inventions that are sensitive in termsof national security.
If we are to elevate social issues to become engines ofgrowth, the power of science, technology, and innovation
will be absolutely essential. Establishing a five-year plan, wewill work to get startups off the ground on a large-scale.
The key to realizing a sustainable economy is ourDistribution Strategy. First and foremost is wage increases.
Second, we will undertake a fundamental strengthening ofinvestments in people. We will at least double public andprivate investments made in people at an early time. Third,
we will maintain the middle class of the next generation,
which will shoulder the responsibilities of the future.

Focusing on families with small children and the younggeneration, we will work to raise household income.
This spring we will compile both the grand design of thenew form of capitalism and an action plan. We will share
this same awareness of issues with leaders around the worldand build up a surge heading towards changes to capitalism.
Responses to the problem of climate change
The public and private sectors are working to share
a common overall vision, urgently at least doubling
investments into this field and we will be engaged in atransformation of our economy and society as a whole. We
will show to the public a path forward for economic andsocial changes, as our Clean Energy Strategy.
To contribute to the decarbonization of the world,
especially Asia, we aim to join forces with like-mindedcountries in creating the “Asia Zero Emissions Community.”
Towards a society in which all people can feel their purpose in life
We will work to foster women’s economic independence
and eradicate violence against women.
We will establish an Agency for Children and Families inorder to place policies affecting children at the very centerof our society.
Regional revitalization
We will work to transform agriculture, forestry, andfisheries into growth industries.
Keeping the post-COVID-19 world firmly in view, wewill promote a shift to greater added value in the tourism
industry.
Disaster response measures
I am strongly determined for us to reinforce our efforts toprevent and reduce disasters and enhance national resilience.
In regard to the reconstruction from the Great East
Japan Earthquake, we will advance our measures allowing
temporary stays in preparation for returning to the area,
moving towards the lifting of the evacuation order on
Reconstruction and Revitalization Bases.
Diplomacy and security
Firmly holding aloft the flag of ideals for the future,and, looking squarely at the actual situation, I will pursue“realism diplomacy for a new era.”As the first pillar, we will place importance on theuniversal values and principles of freedom,democracy, human rights, and the rule oflaw. I will hold talks with President Biden,
and we will further reinforce the deterrence
and the response capabilities of the Japan-U.S.
Alliance.
The abductions issue is one of the highest priority
issues. Working in cooperation with other countries, I will
do everything in my power to realize the return of all theabductees to Japan at the earliest possible date.
The concept of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” issupported by many nations. The Quad of Japan, Australia,India, and the United States is advancing its cooperation,with practical cooperation taking concrete shape. Wewill also strengthen our cooperation with ASEAN andthe countries of Europe. The peace and stability of ourneighboring region is also important.
As the second pillar, we will actively work to tackle
global-level challenges. I will establish the International
Group of Eminent Persons for a World Free of Nuclear
Weapons, with the participation of current and former
political leaders from around the world. We will convenethe first meeting in Hiroshima, aiming at sometime within
this year.
The third pillar is efforts to resolutely and fully defend
the lives and livelihoods of the Japanese people. We willspend roughly a year drawing up a new National Security
Strategy, National Defense Program Guidelines, and MidTerm Defense Program.
We will realistically examine all options, including
possessing what is called “enemy base attack capability,”
without excluding any possibilities. We will fundamentally
reinforce our defense capabilities with a sense of speed,including through the supplementary budget enacted lastmonth and the budget for fiscal year 2022.
Constitution
Within this Diet session too, I wholeheartedly lookforward to active debates on the Constitution being held.
Conclusion
Now, as we carve out a new era, we politicians and theadministration are called upon to reform and control
ourselves. I will engage in my duties humbly, aiming at politics
of trust and sympathy. I make a sincere request to all theJapanese people for their understanding and cooperation.