The 72nd May Day rallies were held at 170 venues nationwide. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi attended the May Day Central Rally organized by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo) in Tokyo together with Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Chikara Sakaguchi.
During his address, after elaborating his resolve to advance bold reforms, Prime Minister Koizumi affirmed, "I am on a great mission to forge a structure in which the Cabinet is able to pursue the greatest happiness for the greatest number and exert its maximum efforts for the development of Japan through mutual support."