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On July 9, a national meeting of DPJ local secretaries generals and election campaign chiefs was held at party headquarters.
DPJ President, Prime Minister Naoto Kan, addressed the meeting, saying, “To be honest with you, the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11 has been a tremendous turning point in my life. To take one example, of course I previously was interested in natural energy sources, but when I considered policy options I did so with the certainty that nuclear energy was safe and that it would continue to be used in future. However, following March 11, I feel deep regret as to whether my way of thinking regarding [nuclear] safety should really have remained unchanged in that way.” Kan went on, “We have reached a stage where we have to thoroughly revise past ways of thinking on the risks and merits of nuclear power generation.” He stressed, “A national debate regarding the comprehensive reform of nuclear power administration and energy policy is needed.”
Kan continued, “When thinking about what role a future DPJ could play in Japan, our stance on energy is a key policy that can determine the shape of society itself. The DPJ needs to thoroughly discuss our position on this matter and take action.” He stressed, “We will discuss sincerely how we can undertake measures that are both safe and that can at the same time persuade and reassure the Japanese people, and will clearly set forth a direction next week.” Kan also stated, “Issues relating to nuclear power policy are developing from day to day. I am determined to make every effort to fulfil my responsibilities.”
Secretary General Katsuya Okada gave a report explaining, (1) the state of important legislative proposals, (2) the process of compiling a third supplementary budget, and (3) discussions being carried out in the party reform headquarters. Following reports on Diet affairs and policy related matters, a general discussion was held, with questions received from the assembled local leaders. In addition, representatives of party committees reported on measures taken to improve issues that had been pointed out at the last meeting of local secretaries generals and election chiefs.
Finally representatives of DPJ prefectural headquarters in Hokkaido, Kyoto and Mie prefectures reported on their various organizational structures and election campaign strategies in order to enable the party’s regional branches to learn from each others’ administration methods and practices.
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