At a press conference at the beginning of the year, Prime Minister Kishida announced his policy of aiming to achieve wage increases that exceed the inflation rate in order to create a foundation for strong economic growth.
In addition, he held the "Hiroshima Summit" as the chairman of the G7 = seven major countries this year, and emphasized the idea of exercising leadership in responding to global issues such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
At the beginning of the year, Prime Minister Kishida held a press conference after visiting Ise Jingu Shrine in Ise City, Mie Prefecture on the 4th.
At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida stated that he had squarely and honestly taken on challenges that cannot be postponed, such as the drastic strengthening of defense capabilities, and said, "This year, too, we will continue to take on challenges that cannot be postponed with determination. I would like to make this year a year in which we put an end to Japan's long-standing problems, launch a foundation for a new virtuous cycle, and take on the challenge of measures to deal with the declining birthrate on a different level."
Then, he said, ``We will create a foundation for sustainable and strong growth with little disparity. To that end, we will do anything to raise wages.'' In addition to asking for cooperation, the government also indicated a policy aiming to secure similar wage increases for workers working in the public sector.
In addition, he said that it is necessary to strengthen the competitiveness of Japanese companies, and expressed his intention to build strong public-private partnerships in next-generation strategic industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computers, and to boldly promote domestic investment. In addition, he emphasized, "Let's solve social issues, encourage social change, and resolutely reform regulations that hinder those people's challenges."
As for specific measures against the declining birthrate, the Children and Family Affairs Agency, which will be launched in April this year, will systematically compile policies, and by the time the “Basic Policy” is scheduled for June, it will be possible to He explained that he would present a rough framework for doubling the child budget.
After that, I will instruct the minister in charge of countermeasures against the declining birth rate, Ogura, to compile measures to strengthen child policy. , and also clarified the policy to proceed with consideration of the promotion of work style reforms, including the strengthening of the childcare leave system.
On the other hand, after mentioning that Japan will hold the "G7 Hiroshima Summit" in May this year as the chair country of the G7, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the food and energy crisis, and measures against infectious diseases and global warming He expressed his recognition that there is a need to respond to global issues such as problems.
He also said, "As Russia's words and deeds raise serious concerns over nuclear weapons, we will send a powerful message to the world from the atomic bombed city of Hiroshima to realize a world free of nuclear weapons."
After that, he announced that he would visit the G7 member countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and the United States from the 9th of this month and face summit meetings, saying, "As chairman of the G7 summit, I would like to demonstrate strong leadership this year. '' he emphasized.
Regarding the Japan-U.S. summit meeting with U.S. President Biden, he said, "As chairman of the G7, this will be a very important meeting that has more meaning than a meeting." In light of the fact that the three related documents have been revised, he expressed his desire to demonstrate the further strengthening of the Japan-U.S. alliance both domestically and internationally.
In addition, regarding the response to the new corona, he said, "We will overcome the so-called eighth wave and restore Japan to normal times this year." He explained that he would submit a bill to the regular Diet to establish a Japanese version of the CDC = Center for Disease Control.
In addition, based on the infection status of the new coronavirus in China, the government announced a policy to further strengthen the temporary border measures currently in place from the 8th of this month.
Regarding the unified local elections to be held in April this year, Prime Minister Kishida said, "Elections in the local governments closest to the people are very important elections for our democracy. In order to connect this to life, I would like to produce solid results as the ruling party."
Dissolution of the House of Representatives and General Election
In addition, Prime Minister Kishida mentioned earlier that the House of Representatives may be dissolved and a general election may be held before the tax increase accompanying the increase in defense spending, saying, "The term of office of the current members of the House of Representatives will expire in October 2025, and that will not be possible. It has been decided that tax measures to secure financial resources for defense spending will be implemented in phases over several years from 2024 to 2024. I just said that it is possible that there will be an election before the price rises, given the schedule."
After that, he said, "In any case, I recognize that the Prime Minister at the time will decide on the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the general election as an exclusive matter."
Response to COVID-19 “Discussion based on the latest evidence”
Regarding the response to the new coronavirus, ``The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has started discussions with experts on the evaluation of pathogenicity, etc. for lowering the status of infectious diseases to category 5 under the Infectious Diseases Act. I would like to continue the discussion," he said.
Regarding infection control measures, including the wearing of masks, he said, “We must constantly review them based on scientific knowledge. We have to think about it while listening to the opinions of experts while taking into consideration the spread of drugs."
G7 Hiroshima Summit “United thoughts for ceasefire and peace”
Regarding the "G7 Hiroshima Summit", "Japan, as the only country to have suffered atomic bombings in war, cannot accept the threat of nuclear weapons from Russia. I hope I can send a message to the world."
He added, "Although I can't say for sure what the future course of the situation in Ukraine will be, I will once again firmly confirm the sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine. I believe that spreading the message to the world that efforts should be made for a ceasefire and peace will lead to a ceasefire."
Linear Chuo Shinkansen “Take a big step toward the opening of the entire line”
Prime Minister Kishida said, "I want to make this year a big step towards the opening of the entire line. Regarding the Shizuoka construction area, I would like to coordinate with local governments and discuss at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's expert panel on water resources and environmental conservation. We will go further,” he said.
On top of that, ``I would like to make a certain summary about the increase in the frequency of stops at stations in Shizuoka Prefecture on the Tokaido Shinkansen after the linear opening, and give a careful explanation to the people concerned. We will position the Linear Chuo Shinkansen in the new national land development plan scheduled to be formulated in the summer, and promote comprehensive, long-term national land development.”
Prior to the press conference, he visited Ise Jingu Shrine with eight ministers.
Prime Minister Kishida also visited Ise Jingu, followed by Geku and Naiku.
This year, for the first time in three years, ministers accompanied him, and Prime Minister Kishida visited with eight ministers, including Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura and Digital Minister Kono.
Afterwards, Prime Minister Kishida received bouquets from local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and took a commemorative photo in front of the Jingu Shicho of Ise Jingu Shrine.
Ise Jingu Shrine was crowded with many worshipers, and Prime Minister Kishida responded with a smile and a wave when people called out to him.