Home > News > The Prime Minister in Action > July 2012 > Parliament of Children
Parliament of Children
Monday, July 30, 2012
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the Parliament of Children 1
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the Parliament of Children 2
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the Parliament of Children 3
Photograph of the Parliament of Children
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda attended the Parliament of Children held at the Diet building.
The Prime Minister said, "As a result of very enthusiastic discussions over two days, the parliament compiled the Parliament of Children Declaration. I would like to utilize this declaration in the governmental work in the future.
I would like to make a few requests to you, who will serve an active role in the era to come.
First, never leave things to other people. Various issues that Japan is currently facing cannot be solved by simply leaving them to others. Naturally, politicians like me assume a great responsibility. However, revitalizing the country of Japan is not work that is limited to politics and administration.
Second, remember to always be kind to others. People in the disaster-stricken areas have been encouraging and supporting each other to get through the hard times. There were many volunteers and donations from throughout the country. All the people in Japan must support each other for the reconstruction from now on.
It is not only the disaster-stricken areas. Isn't there anyone around you who is suffering or who is in trouble? Maybe someone is being bullied. Please do not pretend you didn't see the trouble; raise your voice against it, and ask a teacher or parents for advice. I believe that if you can get rid of such suffering that are around you, you can have a vision for a better town, a better country, and a better world.
Third, maintain the mindset that you are living in the wide world. I would like you to have knowledge of the reality of the world. There are countries that are still struggling with civil war, and are suffering with the damages of war. There are countries where new-born babies die one after another because of hunger and infectious diseases.
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, more than 160 countries and 40 international organizations offered to lend their hands to Japan. The United States Army worked together with the Self-Defense Force to help the disaster-stricken areas. Poor children collected coins in a can and sent the money to us.
Also, right at this very moment, in the Olympic Games held in London, Japanese players are valiantly vying with strong opponents from throughout the world, giving us dreams and courage and deeply moving us.
We are all living in connection with the rest of the world. I would like for you to have a strong will to contribute to all of humankind in the global situation, so that Japan continues to be an honored and respected country in the world.
I asked you many things today. There is no doubt that these two days will live long in your mind as a precious memory that shines like a jewel. Please become friends with the other Child Parliamentarians representing the different prefectures you met here, and remember them as you grow up. By expressing my eager feelings looking forward to the day when you become respected adults and firmly support this country, I would like to close my address."
The Prime Minister said, "As a result of very enthusiastic discussions over two days, the parliament compiled the Parliament of Children Declaration. I would like to utilize this declaration in the governmental work in the future.
I would like to make a few requests to you, who will serve an active role in the era to come.
First, never leave things to other people. Various issues that Japan is currently facing cannot be solved by simply leaving them to others. Naturally, politicians like me assume a great responsibility. However, revitalizing the country of Japan is not work that is limited to politics and administration.
Second, remember to always be kind to others. People in the disaster-stricken areas have been encouraging and supporting each other to get through the hard times. There were many volunteers and donations from throughout the country. All the people in Japan must support each other for the reconstruction from now on.
It is not only the disaster-stricken areas. Isn't there anyone around you who is suffering or who is in trouble? Maybe someone is being bullied. Please do not pretend you didn't see the trouble; raise your voice against it, and ask a teacher or parents for advice. I believe that if you can get rid of such suffering that are around you, you can have a vision for a better town, a better country, and a better world.
Third, maintain the mindset that you are living in the wide world. I would like you to have knowledge of the reality of the world. There are countries that are still struggling with civil war, and are suffering with the damages of war. There are countries where new-born babies die one after another because of hunger and infectious diseases.
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, more than 160 countries and 40 international organizations offered to lend their hands to Japan. The United States Army worked together with the Self-Defense Force to help the disaster-stricken areas. Poor children collected coins in a can and sent the money to us.
Also, right at this very moment, in the Olympic Games held in London, Japanese players are valiantly vying with strong opponents from throughout the world, giving us dreams and courage and deeply moving us.
We are all living in connection with the rest of the world. I would like for you to have a strong will to contribute to all of humankind in the global situation, so that Japan continues to be an honored and respected country in the world.
I asked you many things today. There is no doubt that these two days will live long in your mind as a precious memory that shines like a jewel. Please become friends with the other Child Parliamentarians representing the different prefectures you met here, and remember them as you grow up. By expressing my eager feelings looking forward to the day when you become respected adults and firmly support this country, I would like to close my address."
