The Group of Eminent Persons (Chairman: Prefectural University of Kumamoto Chancellor Takashi Shiraishi), at which experts from nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states discuss ways for nuclear disarmament, submitted a final report to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kenji Wakamiya on Oct. 21. The group emphasized the necessity for discussion on the extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the U.S. and Russia, which will expire in February 2021, with an eye on the Review Conference of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) slated for next year. (Abridged)