"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister

[Place]
[Date] November 2, 2020
[Source] Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet
[Notes] Provisional Translation
[Full text]

The support and opposition were neck and neck over the two consecutive referendums (on the Osaka Metropolitan plan) but the plan itself was ultimately rejected. I assume that it was an extremely difficult decision to make for the residents of the city of Osaka. Since it was a decision made by the city, the Government will refrain from making comments. I believe that the referendums on the metropolis system have made an impact. In any case, in the process of Japan's economic recovery, it is imperative to discuss various issues with an aim to revitalize areas outside Greater Tokyo.