Suga, Cabinet Members Begin Work On First Day
Japan's new Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide says his cabinet is in full swing and ready to get down to business on its first full day in office.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Suga said, "I am determined to work hard for the Japanese people and will try to live up to their expectations."
Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare, Tamura Norihisa, arrived at his new workplace greeted by the ministry's employees. Tamura once held the post under the previous Abe administration.
He pledged to do his utmost to fulfill expectations, including dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
He said, "The pandemic is a worldwide issue, so Japan cannot solve this problem by itself. We need to find ways to alleviate people's anxiety."
Tamura also touched on public health insurance coverage for infertility treatments. The issue is increasingly on the radar as the country struggles with a low birthrate.
Tamura also said, "Prime Minister Suga has instructed me to reduce the financial burden on people being treated, so I would like to consider this."
Takeda Ryota oversees the telecommunications and broadcasting industries. He said, "We would like to create policies that stem from the people's point of view."
Hirai Takuya will take on one of Suga's prioritized policies, setting up a new government agency in charge of digitalization. The goal is to increase efficiency and promote economic growth in the post-coronavirus, remote-work era.
Hirai said, "The prime minister has asked me for quick results. I want to focus on the outcome of those results as well."
Inoue Shinji is in charge of the World Expo to be held in Osaka in 2025. Asked how he feels now, he replied, "To be honest, I'm a bit tired but I had a quick rest. Now, my mind is reset, and I will do my very best."
