Japanese government. panel discusses disaster prevention and defense spending

An advisory panel to Japan’s finance minister has held a meeting to discuss public works and defense spending. This comes as the government prepares its national budget plan for the next financial year.

Preventing and mitigating disasters was one of the topics discussed during Monday’s meeting. Finance Ministry officials emphasized the need to improve infrastructure and improve forecast systems for heavy rains and other weather events.

They also discussed expanding the Shinkansen bullet train lines. The officials said it is important to include future inflation in budget estimates, and to obtain clear prior approval from local authorities and other parties.

On defense spending, they say the government must fundamentally strengthen Japan’s capabilities while taking into account fluctuations in exchange rates and commodity prices. They also stressed the importance of adhering to the expenditure totals set in the country’s defense plans.

The panel will discuss social security policy and other issues in subsequent sessions.