Monday, April 26, 2004

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The preparatory office for privatization of postal services was launched, and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi put up the signboard of the office himself and delivered an address to its members. In the morning, Prime Minister Koizumi delivered the letters of appointment to Mr. Yoshiaki Watanabe, the head of the preparatory office and other senior officials at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. He then visited the building in Minato Ward, Tokyo in which the preparatory office will be situated and put up the signboard of the office. This signboard was calligraphed by Prime Minister Koizumi himself on the night of April 21. Prime Minister Koizumi delivered an address to the members of the office by saying, "Since assuming office three years ago, I have worked my way in from both outside and inside to overcome resistance forces that oppose postal service reform. The preparatory office will serve to create the heart of reform that can cope with the new age. I ask all of you to discard your jurisdictional priorities and work for the entire public as a civil servant." He then shook hands with each and every member of the office and offered encouragement to them.