(Provisional Translation)

On the occasion of the first meeting of the new Cabinet, I would like to explain my policy agenda and ask for the valued cooperation of the members of the Cabinet.

1. In order to restore the faith of the people of Japan in politics, I will advance political structural reform based on my view that "without structural reform there can be no economic recovery." I am resolved to make this Cabinet the "Ceaseless Reform Cabinet," that will boldly undertake reforms in Japan's social and economic structures.

2. The top priority for this Cabinet is to revive the Japanese economy. I ask you to make every effort to implement swiftly the recently announced Emergency Economic Package, beginning with efforts to dispose of non-performing loans. Moreover, in order to stimulate new industries and expand employment opportunities, with an eye to economic structural reform, I ask you to revise the regulations under your jurisdiction, returning to the starting point. Moreover, in order to promote greater investment in the research and development of new science and technology areas, which underpin the industrial competitiveness of our nation, I ask for every Cabinet member concerned to endeavor with all their might towards the realization of the Basic Plan for Science and Technology.

3. With regard to fiscal structure and social security, it is our responsibility as the ones who are currently charged with the administration of Japan to outline a path for medium- to long-term overall reform in order to establish rules and to engender the trust of the people in them. I am resolved to demonstrate firm leadership of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (CEFP) and I ask for all Cabinet members' particular understanding and efforts in ensuring that as a cooperative and firmly united force, we are able to meet the expectations of the people of Japan.

4. An imperative when discussing fiscal structural reform is to realize the importance of the principle that all that can be accomplished by the private sector should be left in the hands of the private sector, and all that can be delegated to local government, should be delegated to local government. In issues such as the reform of the civil servant system, reform of special public institutions and public service corporations, and the promotion of decentralization, I ask that all Cabinet members demonstrate firm and resolute leadership.

5. The promotion of information technology (IT) based on the "e-Japan" Strategy, education reform that will strive to cultivate people who are aware of and take pride in our nation's traditions and culture and what it means to be Japanese, while understanding the ways of international society, and judicial system reform will all remain priorities of this Cabinet. I am resolved to tackle these issues and I urge you to make every effort to see to it that the legislation currently being submitted to the Diet is made law as swiftly as possible.

6. The process of achieving economic recovery through structural reform will involve pain. Without the trust of the people of Japan, policy implementation would be in a precarious position. Through the process of considering the benefits of policies and their shortfalls from the viewpoint of the people of our nation, I call on Cabinet members to do their utmost to create a "transparent and fair administration" that is fully open to public review.

7. The Constitution of Japan provides that the Cabinet, in which executive power is vested, in the exercise of executive power, shall be collectively responsible to the Diet. I would therefore ask for your cooperation in conducting state affairs, that is, to engage in active deliberation without being constricted by your duties and position, to carry out coherently and faithfully the government policies once the Cabinet has decided them, thus maintaining the unity of the Cabinet and the dignity of the state administration.