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Op-Ed: "Restoring Financial Stability," The Wall Street Journal Asia, November 14, 2008
Contribution by Prime Minister Taro Aso to the Wall Street Journal Asia
As leaders of the Group of 20 nations meet this weekend in Washington, we are faced with the financial crisis of the century. The leaders of major economies and international organizations must hammer out realistic yet substantive countermeasures.
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For more information. . .) |
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Japan’s New Leader - Letter to the New York Times, October 5, 2008
To the Editor:
I disagree with your Sept. 25 editorial ''The Return of Taro Aso,'' about Japan's new prime minister.
Mr. Aso, as Japanese foreign minister from 2005 to 2007, greatly contributed to enhancing relations with China and South Korea in cooperation with his counterparts.
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For more information. . .) |
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Opinion Poll: 2007 U.S. Image of Japan Study (Summery)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commissioned an opinion poll “2007 U.S. Image of Japan Study”, and the main points of its results are as follows. This poll is the latest in a series of similar opinion polls conducted almost every year since 1960.
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For more information. . .)
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A Plea for Pyongyang's Prisoners Asian
Wall Street Journal January 16, 2007New Year's resolutions are a personal matter,
but all Japanese can agree on at least one
pledge: to retrieve the Japanese civilians
abducted by North Korea nearly three decades ago.
These incarcerated abductees, whose numbers
remain unclear, are at the mercy of North Korea
and are forced to cooperate with that
government's authorities, while being denied even
the simplest of means to inform their families
that they are alive.
(
For more information. . .)
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Japan Awaits a Democratic China The Wall Street Journal March 13, 2006, page A18Contribution by Minister for Foreign Affairs
Taro Aso to the Wall Street Journal
I am positive on China. Already the biggest
trading partner in our history if combined with
Hong Kong, China has powered our recent economic
recovery. Going forward, our codependence will
only become more pronounced. I welcome China's
return to center stage in East Asia -- as long as
China evolves into a liberal democracy. And I
believe it will.(
For more information. . .) |
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Japan Squarely Faces Its Past - Letter to The
New York Times, February 23,2006Facing Up to the Past: Japan Makes Its Case
To the Editor:
Re "Japan's Offensive Foreign Minister"
(editorial, Feb. 13):
Foreign Minister Taro Aso has neither justified
nor denied Japan's past history of colonial rule
or wartime aggression. His recent speech on Asia
made this crystal-clear, and Prime Minister
Junichiro Koizumi's statements on the subject on
numerous occasions have reflected this notion.
History classes in Japan do as well.
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For more information. . .) |
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Statement by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi
August 15, 2005
On the 60th anniversary of the end of the war, I
reaffirm my determination that Japan must never
again take the path to war, reflecting that the
peace and prosperity we enjoy today are founded
on the ultimate sacrifices of those who lost
their lives for the war against their will.
More than three million compatriots died in the war- in the battle field
thinking about their homeland and worrying about
their families, while others perished amidst the
destruction of war, ......
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For more information. . .) |
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Japan's Path of 60 Years as a Nation Striving
for Peace (Fact Sheet)
Japan squarely faces history in a spirit of
humility and has strived for peace by adhering to
a strictly defensive security policy, preventing
escalation of international conflict, and
dedicating itself to international peace and
stability
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For more information. . .) |
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Foreign
Minister, Mr. Machimura addressed a speech on
"Japan's Global Strategy in the 60th Anniversary
of the End of World War II and the Japan-US
Global Partnership" in NY.
? (
For more information. . .) |
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Japan Decides to Extend Activities of Self
Defense Forces in Iraq
On December 9, Prime Minister Koizumi announced
the decision of the Japanese Cabinet to extend
for one year the activities of the Self Defense
Forces, primarily providing humanitarian and
reconstruction assistance for Iraq. This decision
was made by revising the Basic Plan on the
measures based on the Special Measures Law on
Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance in
Iraq.
.(
For more information. . .) |
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Japanese Parliament passes Japan-U.S. 150th
Anniversary Resolution
where both countries are united by friendship and
shared values, the resolutions affirm that Japan
will continue, as a partner of mutual trust, to
work with the United States toward realizing
regional development and international peace..(
For more information. . .) |
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The Council on
the Movement of People Across Borders, Presented
the Report to Foreign Minister Machimura
Issues related to foreign nationals in Japan such
as accepting foreign workers were discussed and
recommendations were made.(
For more information. . .) |
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Prime Minister Koizumi Visits Brazil,
Mexico, and NY
The Prime Minister expressed Japan’s
desire to become a permanent member of
the U.N. Security Council.
-Address
on Latin American and Caribbean policies
-Joint
statement on Economic Partnership with
Mexico
-Address
on U.N. Reform |
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Favorable View toward
Japan Maintained
- The 2004 Opinion Survey on the Image of Japan
in the United States -click here |
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Prime Minister Koizumi Welcomed the
New Resolution on Iraq Adopted
Unanimously by the U.N. Security Council
On June 9, the Prime Minister said to
President Bush that the resolution is a
victory for America's cause in Iraq. The
Prime Minister expressed that Japan is
ready to provide maximum support for the
Iraqi people's effort to establish a
democratic and prosperous state.(
For more information. . .) |
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Japan’s Self Defense Forces Begin
Reconstruction Activities in Iraq
?? Members of Japan’s Ground Self Defense
Forces (SDF) have begun preparations for
reconstruction and humanitarian
activities in the city of As-Samawah in
Southern Iraq. On February 1, Prime
Minister Koizumi encouraged these
personnel, saying that their mission is
vital to Iraq, international cooperation
efforts, and the Japan-US alliance. It
was also recently announced that Japan
will work with Germany to train Iraqi
police recruits.
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For more information. . .) |
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Japan Begins Sending Troops to Iraq
?? Japan Air Self-Defense Forces (JASDF)
personnel have completed their
preparations for humanitarian and
reconstruction activities in Iraq. An
advance team that will prepare the way
for Japan's biggest overseas deployment
of troops since WWII departed for the
region on December 26th. Around 600
members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense
Force, 8 transport aircraft, 2 cargo
vessels, and 2 naval destroyers are
expected to be sent to southern Iraq and
surrounding areas to assist in
reconstruction efforts.
During a ceremony, Prime Minister
Koizumi told the troops that their
mission transporting medical and food
supplies will help to assure a better
future for the people of Iraq.
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More...) |
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Japan decided to send the Self Defense Forces
(SDF) to Iraq for humanitarian and reconstruction
assistances (Dec. 9, 2003)
Related links:
- Press Conference by PM Koizumi
- Statement by PM Koizumi
- Outline of the Basic Plan |
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US and Japan: Cooperate Toward Democratic and Stable IraqOn October 24, Japan announced that it will provide 3.5 billion dollars in aid for Iraq economic development for the coming four years at the International Conference on Reconstruction in Iraq in Madrid. These new funds will be used for infrastructure improvements, including telecommunication and transportation as well as crucially needed services, such as power generation, education, water, and sanitation. Japan previously announced 1.5 billion dollars of grant assistance on October 15. Coupled with the latest grant, Japan will provide 5 billion dollars in total for immediate and mid-term assistance for Iraq from 2004 to 2007.
For more information, please click here. |
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On October 17 in Tokyo, President Bush expressed
his strong appreciation to Japan for its ongoing efforts to assist Iraq.These include a recently announced US 1.5 billion
dollars in grant aid that has been pledged for
immediate reconstruction needs. Prime Minister
Koizumi welcomed the recent UN Security Council
resolution on Iraq, which was unanimously approved
by the members of the Security Council on October
16. |
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1.5 Billion Dollars for Iraq
On October 15 Japan unveiled US $1.5 billion
grant aid for the immediate reconstruction needs
of Iraq . Japan will also announce the
substantial amount of medium term aid package at
the conference to be held in Madrid at the end of
October. For more information,please click here. |
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Representatives from 90 African
countries, including 18 heads of state, along
with 50 international organizations gathered in
Tokyo for an international conference on Africa.The Third Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD III) was held on
September 29, 2003. At the meeting world leaders,
policy makers and NGOs met to discuss many of the
important issues facing Africa, such as AIDS and education. For more information please
click here. |
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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi
reshuffled his cabinet on September
22nd.The Prime Minister expressed his
unwavering commitment to further
structural reform of the Japanese
economy, after announcing that Prof.
Heizo Takenaka will remain as the
Minister of Financial Service, Economic
and Fiscal Policy. For the rest of the
cabinet appointments, and for more
information on the reshuffle, please
click here |
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Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi addressed at the United Nations Iraq
General Assembly on September 23rd. For the
entire text of the Foreign Minister's statement, please
click here |
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JSDF to Participate in Activities in
IraqOn July 26th Japanese lawmakers approved
a bill submitted by Prime Minister
Koizumi’s cabinet that will enable
Japanese Self-Defense Forces to be sent
to Iraq.To see more info
on the survey, please
click here |
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E-Japan Strategy II Is Announced
The Japanese Government announced a new technology strategy aimed at
making Japan as the world's most advanced IT nation.To see more info
on the survey, please
click here |
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Japan
as Dependable Ally" - the 2003 Opinion
Survey on the Image of Japan in the
United States-To see more info
on the survey, please
click here |
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G8 Leaders Call For a Resolution to the North Korean Abduction Issue.
During the G8 Summit Meeting in Evian-les-Bains, France, leaders discussed North Korean issues,
agreeing to seek a comprehensive solution to the issue of the
abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea, as well as its nuclear
development program.
please click here |
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Japan-US Summit talk at a ranch in Texas
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited private
residence of President George W. Bush in Crawford,
Texas on May 22 and 23. During his stay,
Prime Minister had very relaxed and frank discussions
with President Bush on various issues.
To see more info, please
click here |
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Japan Adopts Measures to Prevent SARS
The Japanese
government has strengthened measures to
prevent people in Japan
and Japanese abroad from becoming
infected with the deadly virus.
To see more info, please
click here |
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Japan
Backs United States Iraqi Freedom
OperationOn March 20th
immediately after the start of military
action of the United States against
Iraq, Prime Minister Koizumi announced
Japan's firm support of the United
States and its allies.
To see more info, please
click here |
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Japan Says Iraqi Cooperation Still
Insufficient, Backs Revised U.N.
ResolutionIn a statement by
Foreign Minister Kawaguchi, it was
announced that Japan supports the
revised U.N. resolution drafted by the
United States, United Kingdom and Spain.
In order to achieve international
solidarity on this issue, Japan will
continue its diplomatic efforts toward
non-permanent Security Council members.
To see more info, please
click here |
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Japan's Stance on Iraq: A new
Security Council resolution is
desirable.Iraq is not fully and
proactively cooperating with the U.N.
inspection teams. The Security Council
should act in a unified manner to put
strong pressure on Iraq. Click here for
more details.
To see more info, please
click here |
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Annual
Report of the Twin Towers Fund
Highlights Japanese DonationIn its 2002 Annual
Report, the Twin Towers Fund highlights
and appreciates the $5 million donation
made by the Government of Japan.
To see more info, please
click here |
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Japan-U.S.
Security Issues DiscussedJapanese ministers
met with their American counterparts to
discuss security
issues during the annual "Two-Plus-Two"
meeting on December 16.
To see more info, please
click here |
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Japan
to Send Highly Advanced Destroyer to the
Indian Ocean.On December 4th, the Government of Japan
decided to dispatch an Aegis-class
destroyer to the Indian Ocean to assist
in anti-terrorism operations in
Afghanistan.
To see more info, please
click here |
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The UN General
Assembly adopted a
Japanese-sponsored resolution on
nuclear disarmament on October 23
which is entitled "A Path to
the Total Elimination of Nuclear
Weapons".
????
Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament
/
Statement by the Press Secretary |
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Prime Minister Koizumi met Chairman
Kim Jong-II of the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and had
talks in Pyongyang on September 17, 2002.Tosee more info on
the meeting,, please
click here |
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Prime
Minister Koizumi and Foreign Minister
Kawaguchi visit New York for the
anniversary of Sep. 11th and the 57th UN
General Assembly. To see more info
on there visit, please
click here |
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Prime
Minister Koizumi speaks on Japan's three
challenges in the 21st Century at the
Council on Foreign Relations in NY on
Sep. 10.To read his speech, please
click here |
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Prime
Minister Koizumi spoke on key factors
for sustainable development and Japan's
concrete actions for this goal at the
WSSD on September 2nd. To see more info
on the summit, please
click here |
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Prime Minister Koizumi and President Kim
talked about Japan-Korea future cooperation
on July 1. To see more info on the
meeting, please
click here |
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President Bush welcomed progress in Japan's structural reforms
on Japan-US Summit Meeting in Kananaskis. To see more info on the
meeting, please
click here |
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Kananaskis
Summit Meeting
G8 Leaders met in Kananaskis June 26-27
To see more info on the Kananaskis
Summit Meeting, please
click
here |
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To read the Minister's Op-Ed
article in the International Herald Tribune
which clearly states the position of Japan
on the peace process in the Middle East,
please
click here. |
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To see more info on Japan's
activities to address the Environment issues,
please
click
here |
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To see more info on Japan's activities
regarding Whaling issue, please
click
here |
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