Press Conference by Prime Minister Ishiba regarding His Thoughts on the Ishiba Cabinet's First Month in Office and Political Administration Going Forward

(On Prime Minister Ishiba's Thoughts regarding the Ishiba Cabinet's first month in office and political administration going forward)

With my designation as prime minister, the extraordinary session of the Diet, and dissolution of the House of Representatives, as well as my visit to Lao PDR and the general election, I feel this past month has been truly a whirlwind of activity, with hardly even time to catch my breath.

We were handed a decidedly hard-hitting result in the general election. I believe we must take that with great solemnity and regard it in a spirit of humility. At the same time, we face a truly severe international situation. Just yesterday, there was a missile launch by North Korea. In the context of this extremely serious international situation, it will be necessary for us to undertake our forthcoming political administration in a very mindful and well-considered manner, embracing a solemn and humble spirit as we give due regard to the will of the people expressed through the ballot box.

We naturally have the understanding of Komeito, but I aim to gain the understanding of many political parties as, going forward, we engage in a mindful and humble manner in political administration that is accountable to the nation.