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2012/11/28
Hosono and Hirano address audience at town meeting in Morioka, Iwate
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On the evening of November 29, Policy Research Committee Chair Goshi Hosono and Minister for Reconstruction Tatsuo Hirano attended a town meeting in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, in order to promote the efforts toward restoration from the Great East Japan Earthquake hosted by Iwate 1st Branch Headquarters of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).
At the start of his speech, Minister Hirano expressed his appreciation for the cooperation that had enabled the rebuilding of the DPJ Iwate Prefectural Headquarters in the face of difficult political circumstances. Hirano stated that “Three years and three months ago, we succeeded in carrying out a change in government under the pledge to break free from the coalition government of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. However, currently we have been receiving criticism for being unable to fulfill some of the promises listed in our Manifesto from the time of the change in government. This is partially true and we have to reflect seriously on unfinished issues.” Hirano also highlighted the achievements of the DPJ governments including the restructuring of government expenditure for free high school education, the new child allowance system, and the individual household income support system for farmers and said “Our political reforms are only half done. We definitely must not return to the old style of politics.” In addition, he expressed his firm determination to pursue the restoration and recovery of the areas affected by the disaster, saying that “In comparison with other parties, the Diet members of the DPJ have been to the affected areas and listened to the opinions of the people more frequently, and have worked harder to respond to their needs. Our fellow Diet members are different from people who merely criticize but have done nothing constructive themselves.”
Looking back over the tough experiences and the cooperative efforts made to overcome the difficulties in the 20 months since the Great East Japan Earthquake, Hosono indicated that the severe times helped clarify the perspective of the DPJ, that “Politics is about supporting one another.” “This is exactly the moment Japan should unleash its energy and direct it towards supporting the restoration of the affected areas. In the affected areas, there are people who need the support of others, such as persons with disabilities, parents working hard to raise their children, and elderly people who need care services. Together with the help of the people, we would like to create a society where everybody supports each other,” Hosono stated. He also proclaimed that the DPJ represented a political party that stood for administrative reforms, and pointed out that “Administrative reforms were almost unthinkable under the LDP,” before listing examples of DPJ-initiated reforms, such as reducing the number of public projects and implementing financial reforms.”
Hosono also highlighted policies on diplomacy and national security. Hosono expressed his concern about the current atmosphere surrounding issues of diplomacy and national security, stating that “Some people have been fanning the flames of aggressive nationalism. I cannot deny that some politicians seem to be promoting such movements as well.” He also expressed his belief in the need to draw a clear line distinguishing discussions on nuclear armament or the establishment of a defense force from matters of diplomacy and national security. “There isn’t some hero out there who will appear out of the blue, make a groundbreaking decision, and suddenly forge a breakthrough for better politics. From our experiences over the past three years, our party confirmed that national finances are in an extremely dire situation. Therefore, although it was extremely difficult for us, we had no choice but to ask to increase consumption tax. The circumstances surrounding Japan are also very difficult. However when it comes to Japan’s principle of pacifism, we have no option but to solve the problems on this issue one by one. We will move politics forward while maintaining focus on reality. I would like to ask for your support in the DPJ’s efforts to address politics in this way,” Hosono said, making an appeal to the people.
Takeshi Shina, the Leader of Iwate Prefectural Headquarters told the audience “My motto is ‘Work is rewarded with work.’ People give me more work upon evaluating my current and past work. With those words in mind I have given my all for national politics. As a Parliamentary Secretary of Internal Affairs and Communications, I worked hard to make step-by-step progress towards administrative reform, reform of the national civil servants system , and local sovereignty reform.” Shina reported that he had worked to keep in close communication with the people in the affected areas, and conveyed their opinions to the Government during the unprecedented and severe circumstances surrounding the Great East Japan Earthquake; and rallied support to move the restoration efforts from the disaster forward.
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