Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi delivered a Policy Speech to the both houses of the legislature. In his Policy Speech, the Prime Minister made his own intentions clear, stating, "The top priority that I must address is to rebuild our economy and reconstruct our society into ones full of pride and confidence. Moreover, Japan must fulfill a constructive role as a member of the global community. In the belief that 'without structural reform there can be no rebirth for Japan,' I am resolved to ceaselessly advance structural reforms, including economic reforms, fiscal reforms, administrative reforms, social reforms and political reforms."
In addition, the Prime Minister drew an analogy with the story of the Nagaoka Region at the beginning of the Meiji period in requesting the understanding of the people of Japan, "At the beginning of the Meiji era, the Nagaoka Region was in a state of severe poverty. As a gesture of assistance, an offering of 100 sacks of rice was sent to the Region. If consumed immediately, this would have been enough to fill the hungry stomachs of the people of the Region for a few days. However, the wise leader of the Region chose to forgo the immediate satisfaction of feeding his people in favor of selling the food and investing the proceeds in the establishment of a school to educate the people, thereby ensuring a future harvest of thousands and even tens of thousands of sacks of rice. In fact, the school that was established went on to train many of the leaders who later contributed to Japan's nation-building. More than anything else what is needed for us today is the spirit of persevering through the present difficulties to build a better tomorrow. With this spirit, we can move forward with reforms.
Whether we can create a hopeful Japan in the new century depends on the determination and will of each and every one of us, the Japanese people, to carry out the reforms that are needed.
I am resolved that my cabinet will ceaselessly advance structural reforms, while leaving no areas in Japan's social and economic structures exempt from reforms. I stand here before you today, disciplining myself, fully ready to devote my entire being to fulfilling my duty as Prime Minister of Japan."