"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Statement by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

[Place]
[Date] December 26, 2012
[Source] Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet
[Notes] Provisional Translation
[Full text]

Today, I was once again designated as the Prime Minister, and a new Cabinet was launched through a coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party and The New Komeito.

I believe the result of the general election of the House of Representatives reflects the strong expectations across all generations of the people to put a stop to the political confusion and for the Government to move forward with "proper politics" under a responsible and stable administration.

The Abe Cabinet is resolved to regain the trust in politics that has been lost, and to make collective efforts to tackle the mounting issues in domestic and foreign affairs and to meet the public mandate.

Japan is currently in a critical situation. The reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake must be accelerated. Meanwhile, this sense of crisis must be leveraged to steadily rebuild Japan's economy, diplomacy, and education as well as restore peace of mind to the daily life.

I will resolutely set forth bold policies to promote the creation of a "new Japan" led through true political leadership which is founded on mutual trust between politics and the public sector.

In this endeavor, I would like to ask for the understanding and cooperation of the Japanese people.