Article 7

①To comprehensively and effectively promote the measures to support raising next-generation children, the competent minister must establish guidelines (referred to below as the "guidelines for the formulation of an action plan") on the formulation of a municipal action plan stated in paragraph (1) of the following Article, a prefectural action plan stated in Article 9, paragraph (1), a general employer action plan stated in Article 12, paragraph (1), and a specified employer action plan stated in Article 19, paragraph (1) (referred to as the "municipal action plan, etc." in the following paragraph), in accordance with the fundamental principles.

②The guidelines for the formulation of an action plan are to prescribe the guidelines for a municipal action plan, etc. regarding the following matters:

③The competent minister is to promptly make changes to the guidelines for the formulation of an action plan when the minister finds it necessary considering the trends in the declining birthrate, changes in children's circumstances, and other factors.

④When the competent minister intends to establish or change the guidelines for the formulation of an action plan, the minister must hear the opinions of the Child and Family Council in advance, and deliberate with the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications on the parts related to a municipal action plan stated in paragraph (1) of the following Article and a prefectural action plan stated in Article 9, paragraph (1).

⑤When the competent minister has established or changed the guidelines for the formulation of an action plan, the minister must make those guidelines public without delay.