Minister of Finance Katayama Satsuki (片山さつき) visited the site after the suspension of operations at Nippon Paper Industries' Yatsushiro Mill in Kumamoto Prefecture was found to be having a major impact on the prefectural economy. During an exchange of views with local companies, she was asked to provide exceptional support from the national government.
Minister of Finance Katayama Satsuki (片山さつき) visited Kumamoto and exchanged views with corporate executives, including Higo Bank President Kasahara Yoshihisa (笠原慶久) and Kumamoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Kuga Akito (久我彰登). In light of the impact across the prefecture from the suspension of operations at Nippon Paper Industries' Yatsushiro Mill, she indicated her intention to seek exceptional support from the national government.
It was explained that the suspension of operations at Nippon Paper Industries' Yatsushiro Mill, which is said to do business with more than 300 companies in the prefecture, would bring the prefecture's annual production value to ¥83.1 billion. Voices called for government support, citing the significant impact on the regional economy.
The exchange also reflected views on Minister of Finance Katayama Satsuki's (片山さつき) future response and the intention to convey the requests of the local business community, and attention is focused on developments in specific support measures.