Top �� Speeches and Statements by Prime Minister

(Provisional Translation)

New Year's Reflections by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi

January 1, 2003

Let me first of all wish you a Happy New Year. One year and eight months have passed since the inauguration of the Koizumi Cabinet. During that time, based on the belief that there is "no growth without reform," I have consistently pursued structural reform. This year I am resolved to set my reform policy onto a firm course by strengthening policy measures including the acceleration of the disposal of non-performing loans, industrial revival and the curbing of deflation. Mr. Masatoshi Koshiba and Mr. Koichi Tanaka, who became Nobel Laureates last year - the first time ever that two Japanese have been awarded a Nobel prize in the same year - stated that "Japan abounds with researchers of Nobel-prize winning caliber." Japan is full of potential. It is reform that elicits this potential. Although tough times still lie ahead, I am resolved to put all my efforts into reform and to press forward with affairs of State with confidence and hope. In foreign policy, I have not budged an inch from my position of ensuring that Japan takes initiative in the role that it plays based on its national interests, along with the basic policy of international cooperation. Concerning Japan's relations with North Korea, in addition to making efforts to provide support and to clarify what actually happened based on the position of the abduction victims and their family members, I will continue to work tenaciously for peace in Northeast Asia, including resolution of the nuclear development issue, while working in partnership with the United States of America and the Republic of Korea. As a member of the international community, Japan will continue to actively engage in diplomacy that will contribute to world peace and stability, and I am determined to ensure that the people of Japan live safely feeling secure. What is now vital to the future development of Japan is a spirit of self-help, coupled with a spirit of self-discipline. In order to revitalize the economy and create a Japanese society that fills us all with pride and confidence, I will continue to advance reforms with unwavering resolve this year. I ask for understanding and support of the people of Japan in these endeavors. I hope each and everyone will have a wonderful, fruitful and fulfilling year 2003.