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The 162nd session of the Diet was convened and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi delivered a general policy speech to a plenary session of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors after the opening ceremony.
Prime Minister Koizumi first offered his words of sympathy to those people affected by the damages caused by disasters last year, both in Japan and abroad and said that, "the government will endeavor further towards the goal of becoming a disaster-resilient nation." Prime Minister Koizumi then delivered the basic policies for national administration in the areas of "securing the 'safety' of people and 'reassurance' for the people," "implementation of 'from the public sector to the private sector' and 'from the state to the region,'" "economic revitalization," "revitalization of attractive cities and region," "improving and harnessing 'human resources,'" "promotion of science and technology and response to global environmental issues" and "foreign policy."
In concluding his speech, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "It is three years and nine months since the birth of the Koizumi Cabinet. As a result of the structural reforms, signs of self-confidence are beginning to be seen in Japanese society, with a spirit of challenge in a new era and a sense of 'if you do it, it will happen,'" and he called on the people of Japan and the members of both Houses that, "Today as we face a number of issues at home and abroad, including humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Iraq, the issue of North Korea, and the privatization of the postal services, I believe that my 'true worth' will be found in my resolve to ceaselessly push forward with reforms 'fearlessly, unflinchingly and unquestioningly.' The engine for these reforms is each and everyone of the people of Japan and the success or failure of the reforms rests with the firm resolve and energy of the people. Believing in Japan's future, let us face the adversity with courage and hope."
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