Prime minister discusses statement to mark 70th year since war’s end at New Year’s press conference
Jan. 13, 2015
by Osamu Kido, Staff Writer
On January 5, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a New Year’s press conference in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. He shared his intention to contribute to peace and stability in the world by including the word “remorse,” in reference to World War II, in his statement marking the 70th anniversary of the end of that war, to be issued later this year. In addition to Mr. Abe declaring that the ordinary Diet session scheduled to start as early as January 26 would be a “Diet to carry out reforms,” he expressed an intent to make use of deregulation this spring and designate several locations as “Special Zones for Local Vitalization.”
Mr. Abe plans to issue his Prime Minister’s Statement on the 7oth anniversary of the end of World War II on August 15, the day the war ended, after reviewing it at meetings with experts that the government plans to organize. With this statement, the prime minister’s perceptions of history will be questioned and expressions involving responsibility for the war and other aspects will become a focal point. Certain words or phrases could draw rebuke from China and South Korea.
Mr. Abe stressed that the statement will include such elements as the nation’s remorse for World War II, the path Japan has taken as a peace-loving nation since the war ended, and ways to contribute to the Asia-Pacific region and the world by bringing together the wisdom of many. In this milestone year, he said he will convey to the world that Japan is resolved to make greater contributions to the peace and stability of the world under the flag of “Proactive Contribution to Peace.”
The Prime Minister’s Statement issued by then Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama in 1995 clearly acknowledged Japanese aggression and colonial rule. Mr. Abe said that, on the whole, he will maintain the stance of previous cabinets and repeated his assertion that his stance will essentially succeed the view of the Murayama Statement.
Meanwhile, he again stated his desire to pursue legislation involving national security that would allow Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense, adding that the path Japan has taken as a peace-loving nation would remain unchanged. Mr. Abe also said that he will implement measures that his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) pledged during the previous Lower House election and make further efforts to gain the understanding of the public with regard to such divisive issues as restarting the nation’s nuclear power plants and amending the Constitution.
On the handling of his government, Mr. Abe explained that he will maintain the policy of putting priority on economic concerns. To revitalize the economy, he stressed that 2015 will be a year in which Japan advances a range of important reforms. He listed such challenges as revitalizing local areas, rebuilding education, and reforming social security. Regarding the “Special Zone for Local Vitalization,” Mr. Abe said that the government will select these special zones based on proposals for significant deregulation and concrete measures from local regions.
Highlights of the New Year’s Press Conference by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
・In the Prime Minister’s Statement on the 7oth Anniversary of the end of World War II, the prime minister will include “remorse” for World War II, the path Japan has taken as a peace-loving nation since the war, and Japan’s coming contributions to the international community. He will also stress the idea of “Proactive Contribution to Peace.”
・On the whole, Mr. Abe will maintain the stance taken by previous cabinets, including the Murayama Statement.
(Originally published on January 6, 2015)
On January 5, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a New Year’s press conference in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. He shared his intention to contribute to peace and stability in the world by including the word “remorse,” in reference to World War II, in his statement marking the 70th anniversary of the end of that war, to be issued later this year. In addition to Mr. Abe declaring that the ordinary Diet session scheduled to start as early as January 26 would be a “Diet to carry out reforms,” he expressed an intent to make use of deregulation this spring and designate several locations as “Special Zones for Local Vitalization.”
Mr. Abe plans to issue his Prime Minister’s Statement on the 7oth anniversary of the end of World War II on August 15, the day the war ended, after reviewing it at meetings with experts that the government plans to organize. With this statement, the prime minister’s perceptions of history will be questioned and expressions involving responsibility for the war and other aspects will become a focal point. Certain words or phrases could draw rebuke from China and South Korea.
Mr. Abe stressed that the statement will include such elements as the nation’s remorse for World War II, the path Japan has taken as a peace-loving nation since the war ended, and ways to contribute to the Asia-Pacific region and the world by bringing together the wisdom of many. In this milestone year, he said he will convey to the world that Japan is resolved to make greater contributions to the peace and stability of the world under the flag of “Proactive Contribution to Peace.”
The Prime Minister’s Statement issued by then Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama in 1995 clearly acknowledged Japanese aggression and colonial rule. Mr. Abe said that, on the whole, he will maintain the stance of previous cabinets and repeated his assertion that his stance will essentially succeed the view of the Murayama Statement.
Meanwhile, he again stated his desire to pursue legislation involving national security that would allow Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense, adding that the path Japan has taken as a peace-loving nation would remain unchanged. Mr. Abe also said that he will implement measures that his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) pledged during the previous Lower House election and make further efforts to gain the understanding of the public with regard to such divisive issues as restarting the nation’s nuclear power plants and amending the Constitution.
On the handling of his government, Mr. Abe explained that he will maintain the policy of putting priority on economic concerns. To revitalize the economy, he stressed that 2015 will be a year in which Japan advances a range of important reforms. He listed such challenges as revitalizing local areas, rebuilding education, and reforming social security. Regarding the “Special Zone for Local Vitalization,” Mr. Abe said that the government will select these special zones based on proposals for significant deregulation and concrete measures from local regions.
Highlights of the New Year’s Press Conference by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
・In the Prime Minister’s Statement on the 7oth Anniversary of the end of World War II, the prime minister will include “remorse” for World War II, the path Japan has taken as a peace-loving nation since the war, and Japan’s coming contributions to the international community. He will also stress the idea of “Proactive Contribution to Peace.”
・On the whole, Mr. Abe will maintain the stance taken by previous cabinets, including the Murayama Statement.
(Originally published on January 6, 2015)
