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General Policy Speech by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to the 163rd Session of the Diet Monday, September 26, 2005 JAPANESE The 163rd 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 following the opening ceremony. In his speech, Prime Minister Koizumi remarked, "I am resolved to continue to push forward with the structural reform under the policies of 'no growth without reform,' 'leave to the private sector what it can do,' and 'leave to the localities what they can do.'" In addition, he stated the basic policy for each of the areas: accelerating the privatization of the postal services and structural reform, safety and reassurance of the people, and Japan in the context of the international community. In concluding his speech, Prime Minister Koizumi called on the people of Japan and the members of the Diet that, "Without reform there is no tomorrow. Without the support of the people reform cannot be achieved. The engine for these reforms is each and every one of the people of Japan. The success or failure of the reforms rests with the strong will of the people and the motivated action of the politicians. Signs of self-confidence are beginning to appear in Japanese society, with a spirit of challenge in a new era and a sense of 'if you do it, it will happen.' By ceaselessly pushing forward with reforms, let us take this opportunity to build a brighter future for Japan with courage and passion." Related Link: General Policy Speech by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to the 163rd Session of the Diet