A government panel on Sunday kicked off its first meeting on outmoded regulations as it sought to loosen administrative controls suspected of constricting economic growth.
The Government Revitalization Unit, led by Prime Minister Naoto Kan, will spend until Monday reviewing regulations in 12 fields ranging from agriculture, energy to health care.
"We will discuss whether we should ease or strengthen regulations for a competitive agricultural sector, Japan's economic growth, and safety and security, and do so in a manner that is open to the public," Government Revitalization Minister Renho said at the opening of the gathering. The debate is open to the public and is also being streamed live on the Internet.