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The Prime Minister in Action
Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the House of Councillors
May 19, 2017
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering a congratulatory address (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering a congratulatory address (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering a congratulatory address (3)
[Provisional Translation]
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the House of Councillors, at the Diet.
The Prime Minister said in his congratulatory address,
"As Prime Minister of Japan, I would like to make some brief remarks today on the occasion of the ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the House of Councillors.
70 years have passed since the first election was held for the House of Councillors under the Constitution of Japan shortly after the end of World War II. As a result of the diligent efforts of our predecessors, Japan was able to create a peaceful and prosperous society out of the ruins and poverty of the post-war period. I wish to once again express my gratitude for the hard work of our predecessors, and express my heartfelt respect for the way in which the House of Councillors has served its role as part of the highest organ of state power, always fulfilled its role as a bastion of common sense through diligent reforms, and worked hard for the establishment and development of our constitutional government.
There are many former House of Councillors members in attendance here today, including former Presidents and former Vice-Presidents. I wish to once again express my respect to you all.
Over the past 70 years, our society, economy, and political landscape have changed greatly. Currently, we are faced with new and difficult problems, such as the declining birthrate and aging population. As those who are living today, we must follow on from our predecessors and squarely confront each of these issues one by one, and fulfill our responsibilities for the future. The Government will continue to exert every effort to create a society in which everyone can find fulfilment and fully exercise their capabilities, and build a prosperous and peaceful society where the people can live with peace of mind. I would like to end my congratulatory remarks by sincerely hoping that the House of Councillors will continue to play an important role for the further development of Japan."
