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12/26/2008 大胆で行動志向の予算案**
※- "A bold, action-oriented budget to defend people's daily lives"
－Message from the Prime Minister Taro Aso－ I am pleased to announce that the formulation of the fiscal 2009 budget and of the second fiscal 2008 supplementary budget has just been completed. These budgets are budgets to defend people's daily lives. I wish to name the budget for fiscal 2009 a "bold, action-oriented budget to defend people's daily lives."
The world is on the verge of a once-in-a-century recession. Abnormal economic circumstances demand exceptional responses. By taking bold measures, we aim to extricate ourselves from this recession the earliest of all countries. In October we passed the first [fiscal 2008] supplementary budget. Following that, the specifics of the second supplementary budget [government proposal] were determined. And today, the fiscal 2009 budget [government proposal] has been completed. We will proceed with the three sets of measures in a seamless manner, as if they were a three-stage rocket. The total scale of the three packages reaches 75 trillion yen. The total of fiscal spending and tax reductions amounts to 12 trillion yen. Twelve trillion yen is equivalent to 2 percent of gross domestic production (GDP). In the United States this is 1.1 percent and in Europe 1.5 percent, meaning that the scale of these measures is among the very largest of measures undertaken by any country. First and foremost come measures to save employment. The most pressing issue of this year-end period is people losing their homes. Employment-promotion housing facilities have already begun to accommodate such people, with decisions already reached on who will live in some 1,000 housing units.
Companies that extend regular employment contracts to temporary staff, students whose tentative employment offers have been cancelled and "freeters" (irregular and part-time or casual employees) who are relatively older will be awarded subsidies of between 500 thousand and 1 million yen.
Furthermore, a fund of 400 billion yen will be established for the purpose of creating new jobs. The fund would nurture businesses in future-oriented fields, such as in the areas of nursing care or catering services for the elderly. Since assuming the office of Prime Minister, I have always worked according to the same system: first, I indicate a broad policy; second, the government and the ruling coalition discuss the policy; and third, I take the final decision.
Throughout this process, there have been twists and turns, which have led some people to suggest that I might be losing my grip. Ultimately, however, I have been able to bring to fruition everything that I have instructed, and I have been able to incorporate everything that I instructed into these budgets.
First, with regard to the region-friendly one trillion yen, (a) the government will provide 940 billion yen of subsidies to create the foundation for revived local areas,
aiming to enhance the usability of funds for the regions;
and (b) tax revenues allocated to local governments will be increased by 1 trillion yen.
Second, the pension system must be made stable. Accordingly, the proportion of basic pensions funded by the government will be raised to a half starting next fiscal year, as promised.
Third, we are reaching the limit of curbing increases of social security expenditures -- an effort we have made each year over the past three years -- that continue to rise in line with the aging of society.
As such, we will provide finance of 220 billion yen for social security expenditures, by rationalizing expenditures of the coming fiscal year and by securing funding resources (making use of fiscal revenues earmarked for road-related spending and of the fund from the special account for pensions).
Fourth, stable funding resources for the social security system must be secured so that it can give peace of mind to the public now and in the future. The decision was thereby taken to take necessary legal measures in advance so as to ensure that fundamental reform of the tax system, including that of the consumption tax, can be implemented from fiscal 2011, based on the prerequisite of economic recovery. I will present these budgets to the regular session of the Diet, which is scheduled to be convened on 5 January. The early passage and execution of these budgets will constitute the best possible economic countermeasures. This will determine the future of Japan's economy and, indeed, the future of Japan as a nation. The Diet's ability to take decisions and its political will and resolve will be tested during the next Diet session. The question is whether or not the Diet can defend people's daily lives amidst this economic crisis. The government and the ruling coalition have formulated what we consider the best possible proposal. We are certainly willing to discuss any good proposals that the opposition parties may have. However, there is simply no time for wasteful delay before reaching a final decision. I will do everything in my power to defend the daily lives of the people. I am determined to see this crisis through. I will take on this crisis, leading the way without fear of criticism. I ask the Japanese people for their understanding and support. This is the final e-mail magazine of the year. Let us remain "strong and bright." I will close by extending my very best wishes to everyone for a very happy New Year. *-* 12/19/2008 生活防御の緊急時対策**
※- "Emergency measures to defend people's daily lives"
－Message from the Prime Minister Taro Aso－ Last Friday, I announced "emergency measures to defend people's daily lives." The United States' financial crisis has begun to affect the real economy of countries around the world at an abnormal pace. So far, the government has taken countermeasures in the form of the first supplementary budget of fiscal 2008 and subsequent "measures to counter difficulties in people's daily lives." Yet, the economy has been worsening at unexpected speed. The government, for its part, shall make all possible efforts to remove the public's anxiousness over daily life, and enable Japan to be the first, at least among developed countries, to put this recession behind it.
Employment and the cash-flow of companies will be given top priority, so as to defend people's daily lives as we approach the end of the calendar year.
We must first move quickly to save employment. In particular, what must be addressed in all haste before the end of the calendar year is housing for people forced out of company housing who are without any place to live as a result of being laid off or else not having their fixed-term contracts renewed. On Monday of this week, the government started to offer services at "Hello Work" Eemployment security offices to help people find accommodation in the 13,000 employment-promotion housing units around the country,
in addition to providing employment placement services. The procedures have been simplified, making it possible for people to move in on the same day, even. Inquiries about meeting the cost to enter new housing are being handled. In addition, as countermeasures against the cancellation of tentative job offers, the government will give thorough guidance, including by announcing the names of companies which have made such cancellations.
The government has allocated sufficient funds for emergency credit guarantees and safety-net loans by government-affiliated financial institutions to ensure the cash-flow of micro-sized companies
and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as we approach the end of the calendar year.
In addition, the maximum level of the government's total equity participation in financial institutions will be increased by 10 trillion yen to 12 trillion, based on the Amended Act on Special Measures for Strengthening Financial Functions that was passed recently. As a result, it will further foster an environment in which financial institutions can provide finance to regional economies and SMEs so that a credit contraction and forced loan repayments do not occur.
In order to carry out these countermeasures, the second supplementary budget of fiscal 2008 and related legislation, tax reforms, as well as the regular fiscal 2009 budget all need to be passed at an early date and implemented seamlessly.
Therefore, although exceptional, I am going to convene the regular session of the Diet on 5 January in order to have deliberations conducted on these matters. Mr. Ozawa, President of the Democratic Party of Japan, promised at the recent debate between party leaders as elsewhere that he would cooperate in the deliberations so as to reach an early conclusion.
I hereby request that he cooperate on the passing of these budgets and related legislation as soon as possible. In order to carry out measures in a bold manner, fiscal responsibility over the mid-term also has to be shown clearly. And because the state of fiscal responsibility is demonstrated, bold fiscal outlays become possible. This is the very starting point and the sense of pride of responsible political parties. Recently I said that I should like to ask for a rise in the consumption tax rate in three years' time, after bold administrative reforms have been implemented and taking into account the economic situation at that point.
My position on this remains totally unchanged. I am aware that various criticisms will emerge. Notwithstanding, as responsible political parties, we are fully prepared to pursue the goal of enhancing the assurance provided by social security without evading the challenge and by being honest. *-* 12/11/2008 保護しなければならないもの**
※- "What we must safeguard" －Message from the Prime Minister Taro Aso－ Last weekend, I visited Fukue Island, one of the Goto Islands of Nagasaki Prefecture, which is a three-and-a-half hour flight, via Fukuoka, from Haneda. On Fukue Island I visited the fishing harbor, where Japanese spiny lobsters are unloaded, as well as the barns where Goto Beef cattle, a local specialty, are raised. Shaking hands with workers in the fisheries and livestock industries, I realized that these are the hands of laboring people. What I felt was the sensation of people at work. The Japanese word "Nariwai" carries the meaning of "works to farm staple crops." These hands were hands that had confidence in their nariwai -- works to make a living -- and pride in their endeavors. Around a third of Fukue's residents are senior citizens. Those living on isolated islands must experience many day-to-day inconveniences. Yet, the senior citizens of Fukue Island are actively and energetically working with smiles on their faces. I reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding people's daily lives, and my responsibility to do so. Today, deliberations on the Bill to Strengthen Financial Functions will enter the final stage in the House of Councillors. The Bill is to enhance lenders' lending capacities by enabling an injection of public funds to financial institutions such as regional banks. It is an important policy to smooth lending to micro-, small and medium-sized companies. About a month has passed since the introduction of the six trillion yen package of emergency credits for micro-, small and medium-sized companies that was allocated in the first supplementary budget. During this time, credits have been provided in some 67,000 cases, totaling 1.6 trillion yen. Recently, the total amount of funds requested by borrowers has been on the rise; about 100 billion yen in credits is being provided per day to micro-, small and medium-sized companies. Eleven business days remain this year. The balance of credits is 4.4 trillion yen, I am sure that this will be sufficient to meet demand. If the Bill to Strengthen Financial Functions passes, two wheels of financial support measures -- one for borrowers and the other for lenders, namely, banks -- will finally set in place. This will make it possible to ensure that micro-, small and medium-sized companies have a steady cash flow as we head toward the end of the calendar year. Economies, by their very nature, are always changing. We must continue to respond flexibly to economic conditions and changes in the situation both at home and abroad. *-* 12/4/2008 誇りとする**
※- "Pride"
－Message from the Prime Minister Taro Aso－ When we look back on Japan's reconstruction assistance activities in Iraq, we must never forget our two diplomats -- Ambassador Katsuhiko Oku and First Secretary Masamori Inoue. Last Saturday, November 29, marked the fifth anniversary of the loss of their precious lives in Iraq. Ambassador Oku and First Secretary Inoue's sense of mission and passion for the reconstruction of Iraq have been taken forward by Japanese diplomats and members of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in Iraq. The country is now steadily following the path of reconstruction. The national flags of Japan and Iraq are shown side by side -- each side reaches out a hand, and the other side clasps it. A picture featuring the words "For Iraq's future" is displayed at the main gate of Al Julan Elementary School, which was repaired by Japan. The picture depicts the SDF's achievements, which have taken firm root. The SDF personnel have devoted themselves to each and every one of their missions, which have included road repairs, the development of water treatment plants, and the transport of people and medical supplies. The SDF's activities have certainly enhanced the image of Japan, though living in Japan we may not be conscious of it. Last Friday, the Government of Japan decided to terminate, by the end of this year, the SDF's activities in Iraq, which have continued for four and a half years. I would like to express my most sincere respect and gratitude to the SDF personnel who have diligently carried out missions in a sweltering land far away from their families. As the Prime Minister of Japan -- and as a Japanese citizen -- I am very proud of them. On Monday of this week, I visited LoFT, a household goods store, in Shibuya, Tokyo. It was not for shopping. This year, the company abolished classifications such as contract employees and part-time employees, and all employees who sought to become regular ones have now been accepted as such. The staff on the sales floor and at cash registers are all regular employees. I wanted to see this and hear from the staff directly. That is why I visited the store. The people in charge of the sales floor work on their own initiative at everything from monitoring hot-selling products to placing orders. Cashiers need a wealth of product knowledge to draw upon when serving customers. "This is a challenging job," said a young employee. What was clear to me from her words was the pride that she takes in her work. These people with real responsibility and a corresponding level of treatment had shining faces. I heard that the changes to the company's personnel system have resulted in a cost increase of over 400 million yen, yet sales are growing despite the country's severe economic situation. There are no better resources than employees who commit to their companies and work as hard as they can. The words of Mr. Yoshiharu Endo, the company president, impressed me greatly. He said, "We spare no efforts when investing in our human resources." People are the essence of companies. I reaffirmed the strength of Japanese-style management. That evening, I asked Chairman of the Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) Fujio Mitarai and Chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tadashi Okamura to help bolster stable employment and raise wages. I also requested that companies not withdraw offers of employment. Employment and wages are the basic foundations of people's livelihoods. Even if the economic situation becomes severe, we must safeguard them. For its part, the Government is taking every possible measure, including reducing employment insurance fees and supporting regular employment of young people. In addition to these efforts, the Government and the private sector must work together and take whatever measures they can in order to safeguard the basic foundations of people's livelihoods. *-* 11/28/2008 世界との集団的調和**
※- "A circle of harmony"
－Message from the Prime Minister Taro Aso－ Following last week's Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy in Washington, DC, I attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, held in the South American nation of Peru. The main purpose of this year's meeting was to share the results of the Summit in Washington, DC, with the Asia-Pacific nations so as to help deal with the financial crisis, and in this we were successful. In addition, I proposed that Japan and the World Bank jointly establish a fund to support local banks in Asia and Latin America and that the trade insurance system be strengthened in order to make trade more secure. For the most part, these proposals were reflected in the Leaders' Statement, constituting a major result for both Japan and the world. On the trading front, it is important to prevent the spread of protectionism all around the world and to promote liberalization globally. This is one of the lessons learned from the Great Depression that began in 1929. We were also able to send a strong message calling for a reaching of the framework agreement within this year at the Doha Round of negotiations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). As a result, each country will "take all necessary economic and financial measures to resolve this crisis" in a coordinated manner. Japan is more than willing to fulfill its responsibility to the international community by fully implementing the expressed proposals and getting the Japanese economy back on the growth track. Next year will be the 110th anniversary of Japanese people's immigration to Peru. At present, between 90,000 and 100,000 people of Japanese descent are living in Peru, and approximately 60,000 Peruvians are working in Japan. These people are a bridge between Japan and Peru, and are making great contributions to the societies of the respective countries. I noticed during my meeting with President of Peru Alan Garcia Perez that he was wearing a blue ribbon badge -- a symbol of the people's wish for the resolution of the abductions issue. I was greatly encouraged by his words: "Freedom has no borders. I wish for the earliest possible return of the abductees." The APEC countries of Asia and the Pacific Rim are joining hands to achieve a common goal beyond the bounds of history and geographical distance. I have realized that this spectacular circle around the Pacific Ocean will lead to a harmony that will be a foundation for the future of the planet. I firmly believe that great diplomatic results will definitely have a positive impact on the Japanese economy. Immediately after I arrived back home, the Government and the ruling parties made a decision about the policy on a second supplementary budget. The budget comprises three parts; namely, a budget that underpins the implementation of Measures to Counter Difficulties in People's Daily Lives, a budget readied for the enactment of the Law to Strengthen Financial Functions, and measures to respond to the decline in tax revenues in FY2008. These three will be decided on together sometime around December 20. I believe that presenting the second supplementary budget to the people as a set of three parts is a clear way to gain their understanding. In addition to the second supplementary budget, some items in the Measures to Counter Difficulties in People's Daily Lives require tax system amendments and others will be incorporated in the FY2009 budget. These should be decided on as soon as possible. Thankfully, the measures included in the first supplementary budget have been implemented successfully. I believe that small and medium-sized companies, many of which are borrowers, will not face major cash-flow problems in December and January. In December, I will make the utmost efforts to pass the tax system amendments and to formulate the FY2009 budget. We will convene the regular Diet session in early January, despite this being unusual, and will proceed with deliberations on the second supplementary budget. *-* 11/21/2008 日本のリーダーシップ**
※- "Japan's leadership"
- Message from the Prime Minister Taro Aso - Last weekend, I attended the Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy for the leaders of 20 nations, including both developed countries and emerging ones such as India and China. Expectations for Japan stem from its experience in single-handedly recovering from the collapse of the bubble economy. There are also expectations for Japan in view of the role that the world's second largest economy can perform. Immediately after my speech, leaders including Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Gordon Brown told me that they thought it was a good speech with a great deal of concrete content. Although the summit was brief, limited to just two days, many of the concrete proposals Japan made based on its experience, including proposals on the importance of the injection of public funds, were reflected in the subsequent summit declaration. Problems like the current crisis, including moral hazard issues, cannot be averted through reliance on US-style market fundamentalism. Conversely, if we were only to strengthen regulations, as in Europe, the economy would not be so free. The middle course may be the right one. In discussions on financial regulation and supervision, too, Japan's proposals garnered the support of leaders of various countries. It is the economies of emerging nations, such as India, that are growing significantly. The global economic pie as a whole will not get bigger unless these economies are supported. To this end, Japan announced that it is prepared to lend a maximum of 100 billion dollars to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This demonstration of leadership by Japan was evaluated highly by Managing Director of the IMF Dominique Strauss-Kahn. In a special statement on Japan, he said that the country had made "a major contribution to maintaining the stability of financial and capital markets." We are now facing a so-called once-in-a-century financial crisis. A crisis, though, presents opportunities for the future. History shows us that a new order arises when a crisis is overcome. At the summit, we were able to agree on specific actions that nations need to take in concert. It goes without saying that taking these actions is of the utmost importance. It was a historic summit at which the world took, at the very least, its first major strides toward overcoming the crisis. The day after I returned home, I received a sudden request for a meeting from President of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Ichiro Ozawa. During the meeting, he stated that a second supplementary budget should be submitted to the current Diet session. If not, the DPJ would not allow a vote to take place in the House of Councillors on measures such as the bill to extend the new Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law. The purpose of the bill is to enable Japan to play a part in the international community's fight against terrorism through the continuation of its replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean. It has absolutely nothing to do with the second supplementary budget. Politics that turns its back on the decision-making process will not lead to any progress. The DPJ still avoids party leaders' debates. If the DPJ does put the people first, instead of political point-scoring, it should engage in the Diet discussion openly and squarely, and join hands with us in making decisions that are in the interests of the people. *-* 11/15/2008 視察で実感する**
※- Getting out and about to take stock of realities
- Message from the Prime Minister Taro Aso - On Saturday of last week, I visited the shopping district in Kameari, in Tokyo. I am sure that for some people the name Kameari, even if they have never actually been there, will call to mind the manga "Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen Mae Hashutsujo" ("This is the Police Box in Front of Kameari Park, Katsushika Ward.") The Kameari shopkeepers are unfazed by a shopping mall that recently opened nearby; instead, they are using their ingenuity to vitalize the shopping district by capitalizing on the popularity of the main character of the manga, Ryo-san. Indeed, their attitudes were extremely positive and their enthusiasm unbridled. Three bronze statues of Ryo-san have been erected in three different locations in the shopping district. The statues are just the right height for children to be able to shake hands with them without having to look up to meet their gaze. The effect of all this is that people wishing to take souvenir snapshots will gravitate toward the shopping district. That is the whole point. If people enter the shopping district in a steady stream, then their purse strings are likely to become a bit looser. At any rate, it will rejuvenate the district -- it strikes me as a very good idea. "We would still have a tough time even if we competed with megastores over prices," said one young person, who had taken over his parents' store. "We want to create a flow of people coming in so that we can coexist with the megastores." I was encouraged by the wisdom of his words, in which I sensed a measure of strength. The shopping district is the center of the local community; a vigorous shopping district will breathe life into the community. I am convinced that the Government must actively support ideas that encourage people to visit shopping districts, which will give the districts a new lease on life. The following day I visited Nakaminato in Ibaraki Prefecture. A member of the local fishery cooperative gave me his frank opinion of the Government's measures for fuel oil, pointing out that though a system is in place, the red tape is so complicated that it does not end up being user-friendly. Only by getting out and discovering for myself what is happening can I get an accurate picture of the realities of the world. To conduct proper politics, one needs to draw on more information than that which comes to you indirectly via politicians in Nagata-cho and bureaucrats in Kasumigaseki. That is what I believe. I will continue to energetically get out and about to see what is happening and to breathe the same air as everyone else. I will place my trust in the sentiment I gauge when I am out and about, which will guide me in the task of politics. This evening I am leaving for Washington, DC, in the United States. The upcoming financial summit has but a single agenda item: how to address a once-in-a-century financial crisis. The leaders of 20 countries, including both developed nations and emerging ones such as India and China, will discuss policies to deal with the crisis. Japan has the experience of having overcome a major financial crisis. This experience having given me a firm grounding, and taking into account the views of other Asian countries, I intend to demonstrate strong leadership. *-* 11/7/2008 国民生活対策：難題を打ち返す手段**
※- "Measures to Counter Difficulties in People's Daily Lives"
- Message from the Prime Minister Taro Aso - The Government has decided on a package of economic countermeasures to assist the Japanese people -- Measures to Counter Difficulties in People's Daily Lives.
The purpose of these measures is to remove the fears among ordinary people concerning their daily lives -- that is, to ensure the "security of the Japanese people in their daily lives" in the midst of the global financial crisis. What is important is to act with speed, focusing on selected areas of emphasis, with no pork-barrel handouts. These measures are ones of unprecedented boldness. First, we will provide stipends as an emergency measure to support households. The total scale will be around two trillion yen; a four-person household would receive around 60,000 yen. We will arrange for these stipends to be dispensed as soon as possible. Employment insurance fees will be reduced. We must increase the net income receipts of working people. We will assist the efforts of businesses to employ older "freeters" (irregular and part-time or casual employees), known as the "lost generation," as regular employees. The maximum level of lending and credits for micro-, small and medium-sized companies, for which nine trillion yen was allocated in the supplementary budget, will be raised to 30 trillion yen. This is to make their cash flow more secure as we head toward the end of the calendar year. Highway tolls will be reduced substantially so as to enable the latent potential of the regions to be fulfilled. On weekends and holidays, tolls will be 1,000 yen or less, regardless of the distance traveled. On weekdays too, daytime tolls will be reduced by 30%. In addition, in the event of the reallocation of the tax revenues earmarked for road projects to general purposes, one trillion yen will be made available for the regions to use with discretion. We will implement these measures as soon as possible, in sequence. Deficit-financing bonds shall not be issued for these economic countermeasures. However, Japan's government finances continue to run a substantial deficit, and yet in the years to come, our social security costs will also increase. I am sure that the people of Japan feel significant unease regarding this situation. I will summarize and present to the Japanese public by the end of 2008 a Mid-term Program on Government Finances -- that is, future principles concerning government revenues and expenditures. The basic idea of this program is as follows. During the period of economic recovery, taxes shall be reduced for a limited duration. The top priority is to revive business activity. After the economic situation has improved, fundamental reform of the tax system, including the consumption tax, shall be launched, so as to ensure social security that enables peace of mind. Specifically, I should like to ask for an increase of the consumption tax after three years, with a basic premise being eliminating government waste and after taking into account the economic situation at that time. It is simply impossible to continue having a low level of burden-sharing while enjoying social welfare of a mid-level. Tax increases are unpleasant for everyone. However, we must not accumulate substantial debt for our children to repay. I consider this to be a political responsibility. The global economy is being buffeted by a once-in-a-century storm, but this is no reason for us to feel daunted. And neither should we merely choose to lie low till the typhoon passes. Countries around the world are now set to take coordinated actions and to proceed with their own measures to the maximum extent possible in the face of this difficult situation. These require deft handling at the helm of government. Japan, too, will take on these challenges by mobilizing the full powers of the Government. *-* 10/31/2008 １００年に一度**
※- "Once in a century"
- Message from the Prime Minister Taro Aso- The world is currently in the midst of a so-called "once-in-a-century" financial crisis. Although Japan's financial system is stable compared to those of the United States and Europe, the Japanese economy, too, has been significantly affected, with domestic stock prices fluctuating wildly. During my visit to Beijing last week, I had the opportunity to engage in exchanges of frank opinions on the financial crisis with leaders of major Asian and European nations. I became keenly aware of the high expectations that nations have placed on Japan. About a decade ago, Japan overcame a financial crisis. The leaders of the world's 20 major countries will hold an emergency summit next month to discuss responses to the financial crisis. I am convinced that Japan must utilize its experience of overcoming financial crisis and demonstrate leadership, for the stabilization of the world economy. Today, the Government will decide on a new economic policy package -- Measures to Support the People's Lives, which puts the people first. Every day, pessimistic opinions about the future of the economy are expressed in the news media. If the people's lives were in fact to become bleak, it really would send the economy downward. The policy I will implement will be bold, so that people in different circumstances who might come to feel pain can perceive its effects, and so that the future can be bright. Our responses will be tailored to people in households struggling to make ends meet, to those worrying about unstable employment, to the mothers and fathers working hard to raise children, and to people finding it difficult to buy their homes. It is imperative that micro-, small and medium-sized companies, which provide 70 percent of all employment, remain vigorous. We will take all possible measures to support their year-end financing, to keep them safe from the stormy seas of international finance. Without bright regions, Japan as a whole cannot be bright. The Government will allocate one trillion yen to the regions, using revenue sources earmarked for roads that will be reallocated to the revenues used for general purposes. We must gather together all our wisdom to overcome the "once-in-a-century" crisis. Now, the power of politics is being put to the test. *-* 10/23/2008 まずは、直接現場から**
※- "To make a start, see things first hand"
－Message from the Prime Minister Taro Asou －
In the period right up until I became Prime Minister, hardly a day went by without my embarking on a new leg on my nationwide travels.
Whatever it is you seek to do, you must start by seeing things first hand. Though I have Diet deliberations to attend, I try to get out as much as possible to see for myself what is happening, rather than merely reading the reports I receive. I have been concerned about retail prices and stocks in the stores running low, so I visited a supermarket on Sunday to see the situation for myself. I looked at the items in the supermarket and talked to people shopping there with their children. At the supermarket, I saw that the prices of items such as pasta made from wheat flour had gone up. Packages of other wheat-based products still cost the same, though the quantities of the contents had been reduced. I also noticed that fish prices are more or less unchanged, reminding me of the difficulties that the people in the fishing industry are facing. It obviously becomes harder for families to get by if prices of things like crude oil and cereals increase while salaries stay the same. We need to do something to ease the situation. In the Comprehensive Immediate Policy Package announced the other day, the Government kept down the increase in the selling price of the wheat it imports to less than the actual increase in the wholesale price of wheat. The Government has also eased regulations on corporate stock buy-backs, so that the portion of company profits that would go on dividends can be channeled to the employees. I believe that we have to take whatever concrete actions we can, including measures in areas such as these that have an immediate impact on the people. The main thing is to protect the people's everyday lives and the Japanese economy. I will compile new economic measures by the end of this month. Measures to support the people's lives will come first and foremost. Also, there will be measures for micro-, small and medium-sized companies, which are hard hit by the financial crisis, and measures to vitalize the regions, which are affected straight away by fluctuations in business conditions. These are the focus of the new economic measures, along with the provisions of the supplementary budget passed last week. The day before yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a bill to extend the new Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law. Japan has been carrying out the replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean, in line with our own national interest. As other countries step up the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan, it is out of the question for Japan alone to pull back. Members of the Maritime Self-Defense Force are working in the scorching heat of the Indian Ocean. The turbulent sea is a constant danger. There is no harsher environment, but I trust that they, representing the nation, will succeed in their mission. *-* 10/17/2008 方針に集中する**
※- "Focusing on policy"
－Message from the Prime Minister Taro Asou－ A food-poisoning incident has occurred involving Chinese-made frozen haricot beans. I would like to express my heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the incident. Anxiety over food safety has risen higher than ever before. Our first priority must be to prevent the damage from spreading any further and to investigate the facts.
At the same time, we will tackle the task of ensuring the safety of imported foods, such as by strengthening the quarantine system. Last Sunday, I visited some small and medium-sized companies in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. At a factory for precision machining of metal, I was surprised by what I saw of the techniques of the craftsmen who undertook grinding processes with micron-order accuracy. They were absorbed in their work, and did not even notice me when I talked to them. Once again, I realized that it is craftsmen such as these who sustain our nation's micro-, small and medium-sized companies, and I felt proud of them. At a factory producing the cake known as Baumkuchen. I wore a white gown, cap, and mask, and performed the hand washing and alcohol sterilization procedure. Experiencing myself the uncompromising approach of Japanese businesses toward ensuring food safety, which is a growing concern among consumers. Meanwhile, I heard workers voice their pressing worries about the recent rises in the prices of raw materials and fuel and about financing in the current economic situation, among other matters. I will unfailingly respond to these anxieties and do my very best to help out micro-, small and medium-sized companies. These past two weeks, stock markets and foreign exchange markets have been volatile due to the influence of the financial crisis gripping the United States and Europe. In Japan, the Nikkei stock average fell to almost 8,000 at one point, while the appreciation of the yen is continuing. In advance of the meeting of the G-7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors held last weekend, I instructed Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa to inform the gathering about Japan's experience of stabilizing its financial markets through injections of capital by the Government. At the time when Japanese financial institutions were suffering from the effects of non-performing loans. I asked him to urge the participants to mount a fundamental response. Following my instructions, Finance Minister Nakagawa took a leading role in the discussions and the G-7 succeeded in issuing a clear message. Some European countries have already started to inject public funds into financial institutions. The United States is also taking a big step toward an injection of public funds. I believe these responses stem from the studies of Japan's experience. Japanese financial markets are the most stable among the world's financial systems. But even so, we will take steps to minimize the impact of the financial crisis on the real economy through coordination with other nations and by making use of every possible policy instrument. At the end of last week, I issued the instruction to ease, for the rest of the year, limits on corporate stock buy-backs. This measure was implemented immediately at the start of this week. The Diet deliberations on the supplementary budget will move into their final stage today. Using the supplementary budget, I will quickly carry out the tasks at hand, including measures to cope with rising prices, and bolstering credit enhancement to help stabilize the management of small and medium-sized companies. Both of which are stipulated in the Comprehensive Immediate Policy Package. Since August, when the policy package was formulated, the international financial situation has entered a new and severe stage marked by such developments as the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers. We will respond steadily and quickly to these drastic changes in the situation. As events remain poised on a knife-edge, more than anything else I would like to focus on materializing and implementing each item of policy in turn. I welcome your thoughts, and your opinions about what you have noticed, amid the substantially changing situation. Please send us an e-mail. In the course of formulating and implementing policy, I will take your voices into account. *-* 10/9/2008 小沢代表・代表質問**
※- 小沢一郎民主党代表による衆議院本会議・代表質問
○- ２００８年１０月 １日 ： 衆議院本会議
衆議院本会に於いて、麻生総理大臣に対しての代表質問・ビデオ
○- 民主党代表
小沢一郎議員の代表質問 → 代表質問ビデオ （ ２５分間 ）
*-*
日本の潜在力**
※- Japan's latent power - Message from the Prime Minister Taro Aso- Dr. Yoichiro Nambu, Dr. Toshihide Masukawa, and Dr. Makoto Kobayashi are to be awarded the 2008 Nobel Prize in Physics. Also, the breaking news last night was that the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry will go to Dr. Osamu Shimomura. This marks the first time in six years that a Japanese has achieved the distinction of being selected to receive the Nobel Prize. Hearing this bright news, I immediately made phone calls to express my gconongratulations and gratitude. "What is very important is to have an adventurous spirit in science. In my view, studying comes more easily to those who feel passionate about a field." This is a powerful message from Professor Masukawa to the young people of today. I believe that the cheerful and constructive attitude the Japanese people take to all that they do is the source of the people's strength. Japanese people should have more confidence in their latent powers. Japan must be "strong and bright." I hope to expand upon these ideas through this weekly e-mail magazine, and this issue marks its official inauguration. Meanwhile, the Japanese economy, including the regional economies, is subject to increasingly severe conditions. My top priority is to ease the people's anxieties about their daily lives. First, we must implement without delay the Comprehensive Immediate Policy Package that was formulated recently. The supplementary budget, which underpins the implementation of the policy package, passed the House of Representatives yesterday. I will seek to obtain, as soon as possible, the approval of the House of Councillors, in which the deliberations are to commence. This week, the Nikkei stock average dropped below 10,000 for the first time in four years and ten months. The yen also continues to strengthen and for a time one U.S. dollar traded for less than 100 yen. Compared to other countries, Japan's financial system is healthy. Yet there are strong concerns that the real economy will be affected by the serious financial crisis stemming from the United States. I will unfailingly carry out appropriate measures while paying close attention to changes in the economic conditions. There are many other important policy issues. I will openly and squarely attend to the Diet deliberations, and will swiftly bring about conclusions to the discussions on the issues at hand. *-* 10/3/2008 明るく元気に！** ※- "Be Strong and Bright."
- Message from the Prime Minister Taro Aso- The mission of the Prime Minister. Hello, this is Taro Aso wishing you well. On September 24, 2008, I assumed the office of Prime Minister of the 92nd Cabinet of Japan. I am very much looking forward to communicating with the readers of the e-mail magazine. The grave responsibility of the premiership has fallen upon my shoulders, and I feel its weight keenly. In particular, I have taken sternly to heart the fact that we are in the midst of a crisis encompassing the people's anxieties about the economy, as well as their daily lives and the future, and moreover, their dissatisfaction with politics that have failed to assuage these anxieties. I believe my mission is nothing less than to revive Japan, making it once again a strong and bright nation. To rebuild the Japanese economy and to increase the prosperity of the people are issues of utmost urgency. I will immediately take measures to revive business activity and to cope with rising prices. The Japanese economy needs three years for a full recovery; in three years, Japan must break out of its mold. I believe in the latent power of Japan. We are a hard-working people with technological prowess. The Japanese economy has boldly met countless severe challenges, and each time it has emerged stronger. There is absolutely no reason to be pessimistic. I will devote myself to ensuring politics that do not shy away from the tasks at hand but instead carry them out responsibly. I am determined to build a strong and bright nation -- a nation of which we, the people of Japan, can feel proud. Over the past year, I have toured 161 locations around the country in order to listen directly to what the people in the regions have to say. This e-mail magazine is not just to express my ideas; it also provides an opportunity to listen to your views, so that I can reflect them in the conduct of the affairs of state. I hope each and every one of you will think of yourselves as members of the Aso Cabinet, and share with me your frank opinions. Together, let us energize Japan. *-* 9/5/2008 福田総理から最後のメール**
※- The E-mail of the last from Prime Minister Fukuda Thank you all very much. This is Yasuo Fukuda. In the old days, some Japanese people were fond of the expression "the eternal now." "People despise past things by saying that such things are old and they praise contemporary things by declaring that they are new. However, if today's novelty is truly new, that novelty must surely persist through time and remain forever new." The people of ten thousand years ago saw the same sun that we see today. There are no old waves, not a single one, lapping at the seashore -- every wave we see is a new wave. The always-new Ise Shrine, which has not changed since ancient times, has been seen by both the Japanese people in centuries past and today's Japanese. The sun, the sea and Ise Shrine -- although there are differences among them in that they are respectively a star in space, a part of nature, and a man-made artifact, all three are parts of the eternal now. I often used to think of "the eternal now" when drawing up policy. We should retain policies that show compassion to all. For the wellbeing of everyone, new policies must constantly be introduced. We must not neglect to take care so that our policies never grow old and stale but stay new and fresh. These thoughts are based on my belief that I must never forget that an ensemble is playing "the eternal now" when it comes to policy. In my capacity, I am frequently asked what politics is about. My answer is always the same -- "To pursue ordinary things sincerely in an ordinary way." The policies presented to the people and implemented are those that are rich in immediate results that are required now, those that will be useful in the near future, those that will contribute to Japan and the people in ten, 100 years' time, and those that deeply take into consideration not only Japan but also its relations with foreign countries. Policy requires an ensemble -- I believe this is a requirement. On Monday of this week, I made the decision to resign from the post of Prime Minister. I did so because I believe that a new system should be put in place in order to proceed even more powerfully with policy for the people. Over the past year, I have received many frank opinions from the readers of this e-mail magazine. When I look back now, all the opinions I received each week -- whether they offered severe criticism or warm encouragement -- added up to a major driving force for me to promote policy. I am just filled with a sense of gratitude toward you -- the readers of this e-mail magazine. I would like to thank you all very much for paying me the courtesy of reading my words over the past year. *-* 8/29/2008 一つの規模**
※- A single scale ”This Message from the Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.” There is a saying that I like very much: "Dragons do not have snake scales." "A dragon is covered with hundreds of thousands of scales. But if even one of them is a snake scale, then that is no true dragon. It is merely a snake that has turned into a false dragon." My take on this expression is that no matter how excellent a certain policy may appear to be, if it contains a single lie, you will not be able to trick the people into buying into it. I believe that politicians must constantly feel and fear the sharp gaze of the people on them. Unless the people are able to be certain that the political realm is safe, they cannot be reassured. Only when the people feel safe and reassured will they definitely come to place their trust in politics. Safety, a sense of reassurance, and trust. How can these be shared with the people? I am confident that the many policies that I promote from the public's viewpoint will meet with the understanding of the people. The Diet session will be convened next month. Thorough discussions will take place on international cooperation and on policies to safeguard the people's safety and sense of reassurance, including bills to establish an Agency for Consumer Affairs and economic measures to ensure a sense of reassurance in the people's lives as they face issues such as rising prices. We will promptly implement the necessary measures accordingly. Safety and a sense of reassurance are truly the foundations for faith in the future. I am determined to steadily produce results one by one, as unpretentious as my efforts may seem. I believe that it is only by steadily plodding forward on that path that we will be able to restore trust in politics and the administration. The Japanese national who was kidnapped in Afghanistan, Mr. Kazuya Ito, has been killed. The authorities worked day and night following his kidnapping to gather information and it is deeply regrettable that his life has been taken. As a member of a non-governmental organization (NGO), Mr. Ito spent more than four years in Afghanistan teaching agricultural methods. He was loved by the children there. I am deeply angered by the inhumane act of taking the life of this young man who selflessly put himself in danger in his devotion to bettering the lives of the people of Afghanistan. I pray for Mr. Ito's repose and express my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. At this very moment, conflicts continue to rage in various regions around the world and many people continue to suffer from poverty, among other difficulties. By helping those people and regions, we can carry the torch that Mr. Ito has passed to us. Moreover, doing so is the role that Japan, a Peace Fostering Nation, must carry out. *-* 8/22/2008 平和への希望**
※- The wish for peace. ”This Message from the Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.” The flag with five interlocking rings, a symbol of the Olympic Games, was designed by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who is often referred to as the founder of the modern Olympics. The five rings represent the union of the five continents. Moreover, the colors used for the Olympic flag -- blue, yellow, black, green, and red rings on a white background -- are said to have been chosen because the flags of almost all the nations of the world can be drawn with them. This design symbolizes Baron de Coubertin's wish to realize a better, peaceful world by bringing together people from countries across the globe to the Olympic Games. However, if we take a look at their history spanning just over 100 years, the Olympic Games had to be canceled during two world wars. During the Cold War, Western countries boycotted the Moscow Olympics and the Eastern Bloc countries boycotted the Los Angeles Olympics. Japan was to have hosted the Olympics in Tokyo in 1940, but the decision was made to call it off in 1938, the year after the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War. It is true that the Olympic Games, despite the wish for peace, have come under the dark cloud of war and other situations in the international politics of the times. Last week, on August 15, the 63rd anniversary of the end of World War II, I laid a wreath at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery, after which I attended the annual Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead at the Nippon Budokan. During the war more than three million people died, including those who fell on the battlefields and at the home front. Among the war dead were those who lost their lives during the aftermath of the war in remote foreign countries.
Moreover, Japan caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations.
Out of profound remorse, the Government of Japan has been committed to a path as a peaceful nation throughout its post-war history. The present peace and prosperity of Japan are built squarely on the precious sacrifices made by those who lost their lives to the war. We cannot deny that there is a trend of some powers unilaterally pursuing their interests, while parts of the international community face unstable situations these days. Nonetheless, we should move forward, indifferent to inward orientation and keeping our hearts open and eyes firmly focused on the world. As a Peace Fostering Nation, Japan will continue to actively work toward the establishment of lasting world peace. The current Beijing Olympic Games has brought together athletes representing a total of 204 countries and regions, the greatest number in the history of the Olympics. "The most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle." Baron de Coubertin believed that the importance of the Olympic Games was not that the athletes from different countries compete against each other to win, but rather that they see each other making their utmost endeavors. He surely believed that this would overcome cultural and national differences and lead to mutual understanding, thus ultimately contributing to world peace. It is truly splendid that the Japanese athletes have been reaping a crop of medals day after day, but the best thing is the refreshing sight of athletes who have exerted themselves fully and tried for all they are worth, regardless of whether or not they have managed to win medals. There are just four days left until the close of the Beijing Olympics. I very much hope that the whole world will be treated to the refreshing sight of athletes fully realizing the results of all the efforts they have made. *-* 8/18/2008 聞こえない声を聴こう**
※- Listen to the voices of the unheard. ”This Message from the Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.” The Beijing Olympic Games commenced. I am sure a lot of Japanese people are following on TV the various contests that excite us day after day without having to forsake a good night's sleep, given the small time difference -- which was not the case with the 2004 Athens Olympics -- between Beijing and Japan. The showing of the Japanese team in Beijing has been truly excellent, and has included swimmer Kosuke Kitajima's gold medal and new world record. "As a mother, I could not have met this challenge without the understanding of my husband and the support of my family, the good cheer of my son. I am filled with feelings of sincere gratitude toward them." With these words, judo practitioner Ryoko Tani, the first Japanese medalist at this year's Olympics, expressed her thanks to her family at a press conference. Mrs. Tani is the mother of a two-year-old child. She spent a period away from judo because of the birth of her child. Since then, she must have made truly extraordinary efforts to brush off that break and maintain her world-class ability, balancing her training with child raising. More than anything, such an accomplishment would have been impossible without the support of the people around her, beginning with her family. "Without a single complaint Ryoko commits to training sessions, despite being pressed by the demands of a life centered on raising a child. I am just one of the many who must be inspired by her. The color of the medal may differ from the one she set out to win, but it glitters golden to me." This comment from her husband attests to how Mrs. Tani's balancing of training and raising a child gives encouragement to the people around her, beginning with her family, who give her their support. It gives me a sense of the depth of the mutually-supportive family ties she enjoys. I talked over the phone with judo practitioner Masato Uchishiba, Japan's first gold medalist in Beijing. He told me that the gold medal is "a good present" for his son. For Mr. Uchishiba as well, family support must have been a huge source of encouragement. The Olympics provide excitement by giving us the chance to follow world-class athletes as they compete at the highest level. At the same time, the Games are an opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of the family ties that are in the background of the spectacle. The athletes who are competing at the Olympics as the representatives of Japan have been hearing the voices of the people cheering them on at the venues. But on top of this, the cheers of people following the Games in Japan, including of people they have never met or heard of, must also be reaching them. There are times when I think that the feelings of many people are voiced by those who are not heard. So I ask myself, how can I listen to the voices of the unheard and how can I respond to such voices? I feel I have to use all my concentration in order to listen to their voices. On Monday, we compiled an outline of the Comprehensive Measures for Bringing About Peace of Mind so as to respond to the rising prices and the economic downturn that are having a profound impact on the nation's economy. As I mentioned in last week's issue of this e-mail magazine, we will firmly implement effective measures to address the issues we face, including global warming and the worldwide surges in the prices of crude oil and foods. We will draw up an overall picture of these comprehensive measures at the earliest possible juncture and do our very best to implement them without delay. *-* 8/7/2008 難題を克服するため**
※- In order to overcome difficulties ”This Message from the Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.” Yesterday, I participated in the annual Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony. Hiroshima, which once became a burnt-out wasteland after the atomic bombing that claimed tens of thousands of precious lives, has now developed as one of the largest cities in Japan, and is known internationally as a symbol of peace. I met with victims of the atomic bomb and with family members of those who perished, and had an opportunity to express my condolences to them. Still today, many people are suffering from the aftereffects of the atomic bomb. The tragedy of the atomic bomb remains with the people, even after the passing of 63 years. Japan, as the only country ever to have experienced nuclear devastation, should never allow such a tragedy to be repeated. I renewed my determination that as a Peace Fostering Nation, Japan must play a responsible role in a peaceful and stable international community. Recently, we received opinions from readers of this e-mail magazine to the effect that "something really must be done to help us deal with the difficulties we are facing due to the increasing cost of living." I would like to seize this opportunity and once again state that it is precisely now, when the nation's economy is facing such great difficulties, that we must thoroughly carry out structural reform that will ensure the future growth of the Japanese economy. At the same time, in order to accelerate reform we must lend an ear to the anxious voices of the people expressed in the course of their everyday lives and realize polices that lead to perceptible improvements in the living conditions of the people. Putting a clear focus on realizing and carrying out policies, I reshuffled the Cabinet last week. Japan is now undergoing two major structural changes: the surging prices for resources and energy that are occurring throughout the world, and an aging of Japanese society with fewer children in absolute terms. First, we must find a way to respond to the rapid increases in the prices of crude oil, foods, and other commodities that are being felt around the globe. I sense that the people are feeling that a string of price rises is making it increasingly harder to make ends meet. Considering the rapid speed of the development of emerging economies, it is clear that we cannot solve this problem simply by implementing measures to provide quick fixes. In this era of global warming and surging prices for resources, an urgent task is to achieve a low-carbon society by accelerating the introduction of energy-conserving technologies, among other measures. In response to surging grain prices, we must strengthen the backbone of our nation's agricultural sector and raise Japan's self-sufficiency ratio through various means such as cooperation among the agricultural, commercial, and industrial sectors and reform of the distribution system. In order to firmly advance such structural reform even further, we must substantially respond to the various voices, including those of people engaged in agriculture and fisheries, and people working at small and medium businesses, who are faced with difficulties on account of the surging prices. Secondly, we must address the task of dispelling the people's distrust and anxieties over a variety of flaws in the social security system, including pensions and medical care. We must steadily advance drastic reform with our sights focused on the future, in order to respond to the full-fledged onset of the aging society with fewer children and to ensure that the people can live with a sense of reassurance. To that end, it is also important that we make efforts to resolve, one by one, the causes of the people's anxieties as quickly as possible. I intend to front-load and implement those measures that are possible from among the ones outlined in the Five-Point Reassurance Plan, unveiled by the Government recently. Specifically, those measures include an emergency response to the shortage of doctors in obstetrics, pediatrics, and emergency medical care, an acceleration of the establishment of nursery schools in areas where many children are on waiting lists, a review of the Worker Dispatch Law, and support for young people undergoing vocational training to become full-time employees. The people's lives are facing significant difficulties at this major turning point. Still, to overcome the difficulties the nation is facing, I will work together with the people: the new Cabinet will further accelerate reform and implement carefully-crafted polices to address the anxieties that the people feel in their everyday lives. *-* 8/1/2008 着実に実施する方針** ※- Steadily implementing policies ”This Message from the Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.” "Both those in politics and the administration just do not seem to be thinking about the people." Many of the Japanese people must harbor a sense of distrust like the one above. Since assuming the post of Prime Minister in September of last year, I have pushed forward reforms from the public's viewpoint, resolving to change the traditional practices of politics and the administration. As the leader of national politics and the administration, I have looked at things from the standpoint of the people whenever addressing issues that we face. Those issues include: the pension record problem, the response to the people who contracted hepatitis through blood products, the series of scandals at the Ministry of Defense, food poisoning and incorrect food labeling, and waste of tax revenue by the administration. These reforms from the public's viewpoint have now been focused into concrete policies. The day before yesterday, I compiled the Five-Point Reassurance Plan, which outlines the specific policies to ensure that the people can live their everyday lives with a sense of reassurance. This plan will address issues such as the problem of emergency patients being passed around hospitals, the problem of waiting lists for nursery schools that parents with small children are faced with, and the problem of the large number of young people still being forced into unstable employment as non-regular employees such as part-time and dispatched workers. Last month, I also compiled ideas on the organization of an Agency for Consumer Affairs; the helmsman of the Government whose protagonist is the consumer. We are currently preparing bills, with an aim to establish the Agency in the coming fiscal year. As I have been working to ensure that wasteful administrative spending is cut to zero, I decided to establish the Council for Comprehensive Review of Administrative Expenditures. The Council, composed of private-sector experts, will conduct rigorous external checks of spending, rather than the administration making such decisions at their own convenience. I have also just drawn up a concrete action plan for the creation of a low-carbon society, in order to protect the global environment and pass it on to future generations. Over the 10 months since I assumed office, my idea of the "reforms from the public's viewpoint" has gradually pervaded through politics and the administration, changing the mindsets of politicians and civil servants. Regarding what needs to be done to achieve these reforms, I can say for sure that the specific blueprints have almost all been put in place. Some people may feel that my efforts, being rather unpretentious, have been insufficient. I will accept whatever criticism is offered, while going over those things that need to be reviewed. Furthermore, I will place greater emphasis on promptly and steadily implementing the policies that we have compiled thus far. The reforms from the public's viewpoint are moving to a new stage, and I am determined to make steady progress, together with the people, one step at a time. *-* |
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