Active Discussions in the Diet


In the Special Committee for Relocation of the Diet and Other Organizations (referred to as "Special Committee") of the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors, numerous aspects have been actively discussed from a variety of viewpoints with invited witnesses from various sectors. (For the details of the discussions in either house, refer to the official records of the proceedings of the Diet issued by each House.)

{Meeting of the Special Committee of the House of Representatives on August 4, 1999}

Chairman Eiichi Sato of the Kanto District Council of the Japan Junior Chamber, Inc., mentioned that Japan should become a "country with a visible face" by showing Japan's contour by the relocation.
Managing Executive Director Katsuji Miyamoto of the Federal Ishikawa Comprehensive Life Development and Research Center mentioned that the national concern will be augmented when the relocation suggests a serious willingness of the country to promote reformation.
Representative Director Kumiko Obino of Interact Japan, Ltd. remarked that national participation in the relocation decision making process is necessary and can stimulate Japan's energy.
Ms. Yuriko Mudo, a plastic artist and art producer, stated that the traditional prefectural governors' trips to Tokyo just to petition the authorities, like the daimyo's alternate-year residence in Edo (Tokyo) in the Tokugawa Era, should be discontinued. She further stated that though the citizens' consent is necessary for the relocation, people have passion for and actively exchange opinions on the relocation in the Tokai Region.
Honorary Professor Yorifusa Ishikawa of the Tokyo Metropolitan University remarked that he expects the relocation to be seriously studied while we return to basics because the future urban plan demands effective utilization of reserves.

{ Meeting of the Special Committee of the House of Representatives on August 11, 1999 }

Governor Masaru Hashimoto of Ibaraki Prefecture expressed his opinion that the relocation is necessary at any cost considering the possibility of Tokyo being stricken by an earthquake and the creation of future dreams for youth. Furthermore, he felt that the new city, that is, the relocation destination, should be aimed at a city where abundance can be realized, and that the city should be able to appeal to the world as an environmentally new city.
Governor Taku Kajihara of Gifu Prefecture declared that the relocation must stimulate a consciousness revolution of the whole nation, political circles and official circles. The new city, i.e. the relocation destination, should be a city suitable for the Heisei Restoration. He further stated that the financial resources for the relocation can be raised in view of the total administrative investment of Japan.
Governor Yoshiya Kakimoto of Nara Prefecture mentioned that the relocation should promote system construction for the twenty-first century and its direction should be judged based on historical and cultural standpoints over hundreds of years considering it as the grand design of Japan with the world in sight.
Governor Eisaku Sato of Fukushima Prefecture indicated that we should pursue a way to display people's originality to overcome the sense of blockage through constructing the new city. Selecting the relocation destination and realizing the relocation will not only foster the dreams and hopes of the nation but will also lead to the sustainable development of Japan in the future.
Governor Teiichi Aramaki of Kyoto Prefecture pointed out that the relocation has become even more necessary than when the relocation was resolved by the Diet. It is desirable to make the new city, the relocation destination, as compact as possible and to utilize merits of the existing cities. Following their presentations, subjects such as how to build up public support, impressions Japan should make in the twenty-first century, and the effects on the natural environment were discussed.

Main Current Trends in the Diet and Government

<Related to the Diet>

August 11, 1999 The Special Committee of the House of Representatives held a session inviting Governor Akira Hashimoto of Ibaraki Prefecture, Governor Taku Kajihara of Gifu prefecture, Governor Yoshiya Kakimoto of Nara Prefecture, Governor Eisaku Sato of Fukushima Prefecture and Governor Teiichi Aramaki of Kyoto Prefecture

September 9 to 10, 1999

 The Special Committee of the House of Representatives dispatched its members (to Aichi Prefecture and Shiga Prefecture)



<Related to the Government>

September 6, 1999

 The 19th meeting of the Investigation Subcommittee of the Council

September 9, 1999

 The 21st meeting of the Council


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