@takaichi_sanae: Today, we were honored by the presence of Mr. Ben Horowitz, Co-Founder and General Partner, along with other representa…

Today, we were honored by the presence of Mr. Ben Horowitz, Co-Founder and General Partner, along with other representatives from Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), who provided us with an explanation regarding the establishment this summer of their first overseas office outside the United States in Japan, among other matters. a16z is one of the world's largest venture capital firms, with a proven track record of nurturing and supporting numerous startups, including Facebook and Instagram. The Takai Cabinet has positioned "Technological Nation" as a key pillar of the "Japan Growth Strategy," aiming to build a startup ecosystem. Furthermore, under the recognition that "economic power" and "technological power" determine our country's "diplomatic power" and "defense power," it has designated the defense industry as one of 17 strategic fields. In this context, the fact that a16z—a firm that has identified, nurtured, and developed startups in the United States leading innovation in industrial sectors and contributing to national security—will establish its "sole overseas office" in Japan and embark on expanding investments in Japan and fostering entrepreneurs is truly heartening as we advance the Takai Cabinet's growth strategy and national security strategy. By incorporating the dynamism of Japan's startup ecosystem, we will establish economic autonomy, technological superiority, and indispensability, thereby realizing a "virtuous cycle of national security and economic growth."