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On April 7, DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa held his regular press conference at party headquarters. That day happened to be the third anniversary of his appointment as DPJ President, and he was asked how he felt the party had changed during those three years. He emphasised that through working together toward the common goal of the general election, a feeling that the DPJ was capable of becoming the actual party of government had grown within the party, saying: “The awareness that we can actually take over the government has grown.”
When asked about his resolutions for his 4th year in office, Ozawa replied, “We have only 5 months remaining [of the term of office for members of the House of Representatives]. We will take power in the general election that is scheduled to take place during that time. We will create a DPJ-led government.” He went on to reaffirm his intention to continue as President, stating, “I judged [my continuing as President] to be an important issue, and so I have just recently received the approval of the Executive Committee, the Standing Officers Council and the General Meeting of DPJ Diet Members [regarding this matter]. Therefore, I would like to continue to work together with everyone toward our original goal [of realising a change of government].” Asked whether he believed that it was possible for the DPJ to achieve a change of government at this moment in time, he replied, “It is my perception that at this moment in time we are definitely capable of gaining the people’s trust and taking over the government.”
Regarding the timing of the general election, Ozawa said, “I don’t know when it will take place, but [I want us to be prepared] so that we will be able to face an election from now on. Even if it is delayed a bit until the summer months, I would like us to take a comprehensive approach so that we can put up a satisfactory fight.”
Ozawa also commented on the government’s economic stimulus measures, pointing out: “It looks as if they are only thinking about spending as large a sum in total as possible. This will not lead to helping or supporting the lives of individual members of the public, or to an expansion in consumption.” He went on to refer to the fact that the DPJ was discussing policies that would directly support the lives of individual citizens, such as reform of the pension, medical and nursing care systems, child allowance, elimination of motorway tolls, and income support for farmers, as well as policies taking into account the severe economic depression that would bring about economic recovery by allocating budget funds to priority areas.
On the subject of policy toward North Korea, Ozawa emphatically denied the need for a preemptive strike, saying, “It is unthinkable, whether now or in the future, that we would see a situation in which North Korea would use ballistic missiles, or indeed nuclear weapons should they develop them, to carry out a pre-emptive attack on South Korea or Japan. It is out of the question that we would interpret the launch of a ballistic missile or a satellite as a direct threat, an attack, on Japan and initiate a preemptive strike.” He continued, “It is totally unforgivable that a country with a political regime which cannot protect the lives, let alone the human rights, of its citizens should toy with us by using nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles as a [diplomatic] card.”
Ozawa pointed out, “If we do not endeavour to persuade China and Russia to share our perception that ‘North Korea’s dictatorial system is unacceptable’ we will never be able to control North Korea’s behaviour whatever we do,” expressing the opinion that a DPJ government would draft and implement a comprehensive North Korean policy that would include involving China and Russia while cooperating with the United States.
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