The policy states that the operation of the Reconstruction Agency will be extended by 10 years until 2031. It also designates the five years from this April as the second phase of reconstruction and revitalization. The agency estimates the cost for the efforts at 15-billion dollars.

The plan says the government will provide assistance in the areas affected by the quake and tsunami such as mental care for people and forming of local communities.

For the areas affected by the nuclear accident, the plan says the government will promote the return and moving of former and new residents to the areas where evacuation orders were lifted. The plan also seeks to establish international research and education centers there.

For the areas where entry restrictions are likely to remain in place, the government plans to speed up consideration of future policies while carefully listening to local problems and demands.

The policy also points out that the issue of tank-stored water containing tritium and other radioactive materials cannot be left unresolved, and the government will decide on how to address the problem at an appropriate time.

Ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said that without the reconstruction of Fukushima, the Tohoku region will never be restored, and without the reconstruction of Tohoku, Japan will never be revitalized.

Suga added that reconstruction efforts following the 2011 disaster continue to be a top priority for his government.