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On January 13, the DPJ held its Annual Party Convention for 2011 at a venue in Chiba city. Prime Minister Naoto Kan addressed the 2200 party members and supporters, invited guests and members of the media who had gathered for the convention. He commented on the role that should be played by the DPJ, saying, “How can we overcome the crisis suffered by Japan? How can we change our party? Our resolve regarding these matters is being tested.”
Furthermore, Kan stated that the DPJ had tackled “issues that had been left untouched for 20 or 30 years” and he addressed party members and supporters, saying “I would like you to have confidence in informing voters of the actual work we have undertaken.” Kan cited (1) the realization of the child allowance, (2) the implementation of individual household income support for farmers, and (3) the inclusion of more than 510 billion yen’s worth of lump-sum subsidies aimed at regional sovereignty [in the budget]. He emphasized, “If we look at things from a historical perspective, we are certainly not mistaken.”
Kan went on to say, “We need to say the things that must be said in a loud voice. Our ability to deal with important challenges is being tested. Considering this is the responsibility of our generation, we need to have cross-party debate.” He appealed to the participants in the convention, saying, “Will Japan go on to become a nation full of vitality, or will she end up becoming a minor nation. The question of whether we can manage to open up Japan to the world in this Heisei era is a watershed for Japan. Let’s reconfirm our resolve to open up Japan and bring about reform.”
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