"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service"

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (June 21, 2012)

Prime Minister NODA's BLOG  http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/

Latest Information

Prime Minister NODA's KEYWORDS

"Carefully nurturing young shoots" (Posted on June 14)

"I myself have two sons."

* Read the rest  http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/06/120614.html

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"Invaluable friends" (Posted on June 12)

"Japan, as a maritime state, has developed by building upon the foundations of the abundant bounty of the Pacific Ocean and also its relations with the world."

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/06/120612.html

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (June 6, 2012)

Prime Minister NODA's BLOG http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/

Latest Information

Prime Minister NODA's KEYWORDS

"Our thoughts on the future of Okinawa" (Posted on May 31)

"May 15 is, furthermore, a day on which to focus our thoughts on the future of Okinawa."

* Read the rest  http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/05/120531.html

"The cultivation of human resources as the bedrock of nation building" (Posted on May 29)

"I consider the mission of politics to be first, forging a society in which everyone can have hope, and then passing that hope down to future generations. These should be in a form suited to the dwindling birthrate and aging population as unavoidable changes within the social environment as well as suited to the context of the present day, a 'new era.'"

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/05/120529.html

"Step by step, day by day, one by one" (Posted on May 24)

"We will not evade the difficulties we face in restoring the three areas for vitality - children, the regions, and employment."

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/05/120524.html

"An unshakeable alliance" (Posted on May 22)

"Yesterday I had the pleasure to meet in person our friends who conducted 'Operation Tomodachi.'"

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/05/120522-1.html

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (May 17, 2012)

"Maintaining constant vigilance towards crisis management" (Posted on May 9)

"From the end of April into May, there have been tragic accidents, damages from tornadoes, and so on, one after another. My heart aches each time I am informed of such an event. I have been giving instructions to relevant official to respond through bracing up even for such unanticipated situations."

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/05/120509.html

Prime Minister NODA's KEYWORDS

"Because there was a Japanese person who worked hard for the world" (Posted on May 8)

"When we experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake last March, Japan received warm offers of assistance from over 160 countries and more than 40 international organizations."

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/05/120508.html

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (May 15, 2012)

"The depths of Japan's kizuna (bonds of friendship) that I felt during my visit to the U.S." (Posted on May 2)

"This year marks the one hundredth anniversary since Mr. Gakudo Ozaki, called the "God of constitutional politics," presented 3,000 sakura cherry trees to line the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, DC. Marvelous foresight was shown in this stratagem of getting so many people to call to mind friendly relations with Japan every time the sakura come into bloom in the U.S. capital. On this occasion, President Obama announced a gift of 3,000 dogwood trees to Japan."

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/05/120502.html

Prime Minister NODA's KEYWORDS

"The power of tourism" (Posted on May 1)

"I believe in the power of tourism."

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/05/120501.html

"The true worth of politics" (Posted on April 26)

"We have to advance the 'comprehensive reform' [of social security and taxation systems] now on the table together with reforms of various types in a comprehensive manner."

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/04/120426.html

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (May 2, 2012)

"Moving forward step by step despite an unpretentious appearance" (Posted on April 24)

"... it is not in my nature to irresponsibly initiate something that is difficult to bring to fruition or go for a performance that is nothing more than for show, and these are certainly not things one should seek to do. It will be impossible to remove the mistrust in politics unless we bring about, one by one, policies that should rightfully be promoted, without putting them off. This is something that I have been stating consistently until now."

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/04/120424-1.html

  

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (May 1, 2012)

Prime Minister NODA's KEYWORDS

"The desire to commit oneself to the people" (Posted on April 24)

"There is an expression 'oyakusho shigoto,' meaning 'bureaucratic red tape.'"

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/04/120424.html

"In order to create a society that possesses conviction" (Posted on April 19)

"As I am always saying, I want to create a society in which the people believe that tomorrow will be better than today. I want to create a society that possesses conviction for this and that really feels that this is true."

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/04/120419.html

"Prime Minister NODA´s BLOG" E-mail Service (May 2, 2012)

"Moving forward step by step despite an unpretentious appearance" (Posted on April 24)

"... it is not in my nature to irresponsibly initiate something that is difficult to bring to fruition or go for a performance that is nothing more than for show, and these are certainly not things one should seek to do. It will be impossible to remove the mistrust in politics unless we bring about, one by one, policies that should rightfully be promoted, without putting them off. This is something that I have been stating consistently until now."

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/04/120424-1.html

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Prime Minister NODA's KEYWORDS

The desire to commit oneself to the people" (Posted on April 24)

"There is an expression 'oyakusho shigoto,' meaning 'bureaucratic red tape.'"

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/04/120424.html

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"In order to create a society that possesses conviction" (Posted on April 19)

"As I am always saying, I want to create a society in which the people believe that tomorrow will be better than today. I want to create a society that possesses conviction for this and that really feels that this is true."

* Read the rest http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2012/04/120419.html

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (January 12, 2012)

"Taking on challenges with a mindset of never giving up" (Posted on January 5)

"It is said that "politics is the art of the possible." There is no such thing as the "impossible." I believe that no matter how challenging a matter it may be, if you repeatedly advocate for your cause, your message will be understood and the situation will change... This is a year that will call into question 'what is politics for the sake of this nation and the Japanese people.' I will once more deepen my preparedness and determination."

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (January 13, 2012)

"Providing warmth to both mind and body to fight the harsh cold" (Posted on December 28)

"Immediately following the disaster in March, the first items that we thought to provide to the region without delay were food, medical supplies and blankets to keep out the cold."

"Transcending generations" (Posted on December 22)

"Social security will be needed by everyone."

"New frontiers" (Posted on December 20)

"We should have pride in the potential of our national land as well as in our technological capabilities that are able to take on the challenges of new frontiers."

Prime Minister NODA's KEYWORDS

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (December 28, 2011)

"From an age of banding together to toss people aloft to an age of piggyback rides" (Posted on December 14)
"When the manager of a victorious pro baseball team is lofted into the air in celebration, it's everyone helping to put that one manager aloft."

"A prized Ultraman figurine" (Posted on December 9)
"There is one episode which I shall never forget."

"Japan's foremost weapon" (Posted on December 7)
"I consider Japan's foremost weapon to be our human resources."
"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (December 26, 2011)

"Undertaking the actions we call on others to take" (Posted on December 15)
"First and foremost must be the principle of Diet members themselves first undertaking the actions they call on others to take. The DPJ must expend more of our muscle tackling the issue of reducing the number of seats in the Diet, taking the initiative to ensure passage at an early time within next year's ordinary Diet session."




"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (December 20, 2011)

"Forever remembering the bonds with the world " (Posted on December 2)
"I have been deeply moved by the strong feelings of compassion shown by people the world over toward Japan."

"What the Hayabusa space probe brought back" (Posted on November 30)
"That capsule that Hayabusa brought back after overcoming a variety of difficulties held not just particles."

"The buds of hope emerging in the disaster-stricken areas" (Posted on November 25)
"The spirit of caring about others amidst great difficulties is noble Japanese ethos worthy of pride at a global level."

"The Pride of Japan" (Posted on November 24)
"I myself am the son of a member of the SDF."




"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (December 12, 2011)

"Striving to become the Hanasaka Souri" (Posted on November 9)
"After I delivered that policy speech, a message of encouragement arrived from Ms. Ohgoe herself, saying, 'Sowing seeds of hope to make the flowers bloom, you are the Hanasaka Souri!' ('The Prime Minister who makes bare trees bloom' - a playful twist on the name of the traditional Japanese folktale Hanasaka Jiisan, 'The old man who makes bare trees bloom')."

"Seishin sei-i: "Sincere spirit and just intent"" (Posted on November 4)
"I will take the lead among the Cabinet in listening carefully to the voices and the heartfelt cries of each and every person in the nation."

"Like the autumn frost" (Posted on November 4)
"Politicians must also take the initiative to tighten their belts."

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (November 10, 2011)

"Harnessing the smiles of children" (Posted on October 18)

"I think you'll agree that the smiling faces of children are truly wonderful any time you see them. One can feel hope for tomorrow just by watching them for a while, and more than anything, their smiles are a kind of healing of the stresses of daily life...
Children's smiling faces foster the smiles of their mothers and fathers. I have confirmed my belief that the creation of a country overflowing with such kinds of smiles is the aim of the "children first" policy advocated by the Democratic Party of Japan."




"Visits to Fukushima, Seoul, and events around Tokyo" (Posted on October 25)

"One which I can say had a particular impact on my life was an old American movie called Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, starring James Stewart. It tells the story of a politician who takes action in order to protect the environment...
Good movies change people's lives and their impressive nature spreads, regardless of national boundaries. I can't help thinking I would like politics also to have just such a presence in society."




""Preparedness and caliber" to create hope" (Posted on October 31)

"Today, the global population topped seven billion people, and it seems that in Japan as well, children born today can be officially recognized as being "the seven billionth person." We must pass the third supplementary budget and the drafts of related laws at as early a time as possible and then transition them into implementation in order to reduce by even a little the future burdens of the children born today."



"A duty to uphold "national credibility"" (Posted on November 7)

"Last week I participated in the G20 Summit held in Cannes, France...
One matter confirmed at this summit was that the fiscal issues of a single nation are having repercussions upon the globe and causing economic and financial instability internationally...
Looking at the situation in Greece, this summit once again caused me to feel deeply the importance of upholding "national credibility"."

* Read the rest
http://nodasblog.kantei.go.jp/2011/11/111107.html

"Prime Minister NODA's BLOG" E-mail Service (October 13, 2011)

"Revitalizing agriculture through kizuna bonds with consumers"

Yesterday (the 10th), in order to obtain some insights into the revitalization of agriculture, I observed agricultural areas in Gunma Prefecture where people are engaged in leading-edge efforts such as the production of premium brand rice and the operation of direct-sales storefronts. Under the penetrating clear autumn sky, I was able to feel the fruitful nature of autumn throughout my entire being.

As I stated during the DPJ Presidential election as well, both of my parents were born to farming families. My father was the youngest of 6 siblings in a farming family in Toyama Prefecture, while my mother was the youngest of 11 siblings in Chiba Prefecture. My mother was often pulled into helping out with the farming work, and I understand that while I was still nursing I slept rocking in a bamboo basket, off to one side of the farmwork. Upon smelling the soil of the fields I felt that memory of my very early childhood being conjured up. I take pride in the fact that in that sense, my own roots can also be said to be found in agriculture.

I drove a combine and tried my hand at harvesting. The character for "rice" in Japanese is written by combining the characters also used to write the word "eighty-eight," and it is said that growing rice requires '88 stages' of toil, just as the character depicts. Even in this age in which we use machines for harvesting, rice, which is painstakingly harvested, is nothing other than the crystallization of the hard work of farmers all throughout the year.

The agricultural plaza in Kawaba village has set up a direct-sales location for just-harvested rice and vegetables as well as dairy products, sweets, and the like. By putting into practice a combination of "agriculture + tourism," the village is a great success, attracting more than a million people annually. Yesterday, one day of a sunny three-day weekend, was also bustling. I saw a great many people gathered along with their small children, and the parking lot was full with cars from outside Gunma Prefecture. Although I understand that the catalyst for that was the fact that a sister-city relationship was established with Setagaya ward in Tokyo, I was moved by the fact that such tremendous energy would come about by "urban consumers" interacting directly with and linking up with "abundantly enthusiastic producers."

I myself also purchased some premium brand Yukihotaka rice, which is the pride of the village, along with some apples, grapes, eggplant, and other items and brought these back to my wife at the official residence, and she was extremely pleased at this.

During this visit, I heard about various aspects of the current state of agriculture, ranging from the quite daring stories of creating new value through various means, one after the other, including through making the rice into a premium brand and selling locally-produced beer to the United States, to very deep-seated concerns about the sense of uncertainty towards the future and the lack of successors to the businesses.

The impression that stayed with me above all was the dignified figure of a young farmer 37 years old who grows rice and konnyaku, who enthusiastically exclaimed, "I want to make this village the best in all Japan!" How many young people saying such things with such a serious manner would we find if we looked all throughout Japan, I wonder. It was a moment in which I felt certain that great potential would surely open up in Japan's agricultural industries if we were to have even one more of these admirable business people in each local area in Japan, pulling forward regional agriculture with confidence and pride in their work.

Within this month, I intend to formulate a concrete action plan on the basis of the midterm proposal for the revival of the food and agriculture industries in Japan that was compiled in August. In what ways can the national government assist in order to revitalize agriculture and transform it into a growth industry? I will put forward a definite vision as a nation so that the people who will be responsible for the future can engage in agriculture enjoying both big dreams and peace of mind.

Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan
October 11, 2011