[Lion Heart -- Message from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi]
(Provisional Translation)

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Japan Day at the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi

Junichiro Koizumi here.

This Monday, June 6, I attended the commemorative ceremony for Japan Day at the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi.

This wonderful ceremony was held in the presence of His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince, the Honorary President of the exposition. I very much enjoyed listening to the enthusiastic and heartfelt voices of the children's chorus which was produced by Mr. Sadao Watanabe, as well as watching the dynamic performance by the cheerleaders and listening to young people give a "gundoku" group poetry recitation, among other performances.

After the ceremony, I had a little time to look at the remains of the Yukagir Mammoth displayed in the Global House and visit several pavilions including the Government of Japan's Pavilion Nagakute and Pavilion Seto.

This was my third visit to the Expo site, following the groundbreaking ceremony and the opening ceremony. Since I did not have the opportunity to look around on my previous two visits, I was looking forward to seeing more this time. Indeed, the exposition did not disappoint; I was amazed beyond expectations.

My visit was on a weekday, and I saw elementary and junior high school students at the Expo site. This made me think that learning need not be confined to a classroom. Coming to a place like the World Exposition and seeing and feeling for yourself the sounds and sights of other countries and awe-inspiring technologies is truly a valuable learning experience.

As the temperature rises, I would like the requests of the visitors to be taken into careful consideration so that they may enjoy the exposition even under the blazing summer sun. In this way the Expo will be an experience that everyone enjoys and will want to repeat.

At the Diet, deliberations are continuing with regard to the privatization of the postal services. During the deliberations, one Diet member criticized me by calling me "Don Quixote," but as it happens I have a great love for Don Quixote.

"To dream the impossible dream, to fight the unbeatable foe... to run where the brave dare not go."

Whether it is the privatization of the postal services, social security or the reform package of the three issues on subsidy, local allocation tax and transfer of tax sources, people agree to the general principle but disagree once they get down to the details. What the Koizumi Cabinet is here to do is to delve into the details even of things that face opposition and in so doing advance reform.

The reforms are now approaching their ultimate targets. I will continue to have thorough discussions and advance reforms.

Last night, the Japanese national soccer team ensured its spot in the 2006 World Cup. This is very happy news. I hope the team will work on their minds and bodies as well as further improve their skills and teamwork for many more exciting matches to come.

* The title of this column "Lion Heart" is a reference to the Prime Minister's lion-like hairstyle and his unbending determination to advance structural reform.

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