Using the Japan-U.S. alliance as a basis, it is important that we maintain and develop cooperative relations with our neighboring countries such as China, South Korea, and Russia.

My stance has consistently been that the firmer and closer that U.S.-Japan relations are, the more possible it is to build good relations with China, South Korea , Asian countries and the international community.

I intend to deal seriously with various issues and concerns involving normalization of diplomatic relations,

The role that Japan has thus far played can be a firm foundation for it becoming a permanent member of the Security Council.

Did you know that the word 'tsunami,' which is now being used worldwide, is a Japanese word? This is indicative of the extent to which Japan has been subject to frequent tsunami disasters in the past.

Even after Galileo was found guilty of heresy, he still said, 'The Earth moves,