Video Message by Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Koichiro Gemba at the International Energy Seminar on "Smart Community Proposals for Reconstructing the Disaster-Affected Areas"

March 2, 2012 (Friday)
10：30 AM
Palthe Iizaka Convention Hall, Iizaka, Fukushima City

Japanese

• It will soon be exactly one year since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Today, here in Fukushima Prefecture, I am extremely pleased to be opening a seminar dedicated to thinking about new community building toward the reconstruction of the disaster-affected areas. I would like to express my gratitude to all the residents and students of the areas, members of international organizations, Tokyo-based embassies and enterprises gathered here today for your participation in this seminar.
• This year marks the "First year for the Rebirth of Japan." It is vital that we take advantage of the adversity we are faced with and establish within the disaster-affected areas advanced, model communities for reconstruction that can lead the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas. Smart communities are a vision for the reconstruction, and they could become symbols of reconstruction once they are realized.
• I believe that through the realization of smart communities, Japan can be the first country to find solutions for difficulties that nobody has experienced before and thereby make a contribution to the world. It is my strong conviction that from three concrete perspectives Japan possesses the latent ability to become a top runner to find the solutions.
• The first has to do with becoming a top runner for energy and environmental technology, including sustainable energy. To give an example that I myself have been directly involved with, we will transfer some of government research institutions related to renewable energy to Fukushima Prefecture, and seek to gather industries in the area to create employment. In addition, we will fully utilize Japan’s advanced technological prowess, exhibiting to the world the latest in energy conservation, energy creation and energy storage. And furthermore, we will accelerate green innovation.
• The second perspective we have set our sights on is that of becoming a top runner for community building that is kind to the environment and resilient against disaster. The further promotion of consideration for the environment and the efficient use of energy and resources, and furthermore, the securing of self-sustaining local production for local consumption, will contribute on a global scale to the reduction of carbon emissions and the prevention of disaster.
• The third perspective concerns becoming a top runner for community building in which citizens lead the way. Only citizens can create a vision for the revitalization of local communities. It is important that those living and working in each community take the lead role in community building.
• As a first step toward that future and the reconstruction of the disaster-affected areas, I hope that this seminar will be a good opportunity to learn many diverse and advanced examples of new community planning from around the world. In addition, it is my wish that it will be an opportunity to communicate to the world the initiatives and achievements that have come out of these areas. I too, as Minister for Foreign Affairs, and as resident of Fukushima, will exert every possible effort and continue to support the revitalization and reconstruction of the disaster-affected areas, which include Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate.
• In conclusion, I offer my heartfelt wish that today’s discussion be a significant and fruitful one. Thank you very much.