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On June 11, DPJ Secretary General Yukio Edano received a courtesy call from the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Japan, Kwon Chul-Hyun, at party headquarters.
Kwon began by saying, “I would like to congratulate you on your appointment as the youngest ever DPJ Secretary General.” He went on to say, “People such as Prime Minister Kan and yourself, who have a strong reform mentality, and of whom the Japanese people have high expectations, have been appointed, and a new Cabinet has been formed, restoring the DPJ’s image. I have the strong impression that new reforms of Japan have begun.”
The Ambassador added, “I have high hopes that you will build on the role you played as Minister of State for Government Revitalization and the fresh image you gained at that time to lead the DPJ, and to achieve a great victory in the House of Councillors election.” He continued, “I expect you to play a large part in leading the new Japan.”
In response, Edano thanked Kwon for his visit and congratulations, and commented, “I am conscious that it causes trouble when our domestic political situation causes the prime minister to change in this way, just as we are in the process of creating relationships of trust with various countries. I would like to express the continued importance of our relationship with the Republic of Korea.” He emphasized, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Kan we are resolved to continue to proceed with the same [reforms] as we did under Prime Minister Hatoyama” and expressed his determination, saying, “The Japanese people are hoping to see a change in Japanese politics, and so I would like to continue to encourage that as Secretary General.”
Edano went on to introduce member of the House of Representatives Makiko Kikuta, who also attended the meeting, saying, “When I was Minister, I was responsible for the budget review of government projects. I have asked Makiko Kikuta, who worked with me at that time, to serve as Vice Secretary General, and so I am intending to reform a whole variety of things within the party also.
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