Junichiro Koizumi Quotations

My first priority will be postal system reform,

I have been pressing for wide-ranging structural reforms in areas such as finance, taxation, regulation and expenditure, in order to revive and move forward our country since I took office,

He had played a major role in post-war Japanese politics and was active in political reforms to make sure that Japan's parliamentary system stays vital,

The pains felt by Asian countries are our own pains. Disaster in Asia is nothing but ours as well.

I will decide appropriately, ... I don't think all the other issues with China would get resolved.

I will hear the opinions of local governments sincerely. I will certainly realize the reform by next fiscal year.

I will solemnly accept the voice of the Japanese people and will be committed to realize postal privatization,

Japan must import most of its oil from abroad. There is much that we can do for each other.

Some people called postal privatization an absurd idea. But the people judged that it is the right idea,

I will try to maintain the postal network, which is people's important assets, and see to it that no inconvenience will ensue,

I think many older people like me will really suffer. I'd like to hire them, but unfortunately we're not doing so well lately.

The activities of Japan's Self Defense Forces overseas are highly regarded by the international community, and the mission (to the Indian Ocean) must continue,

I would like to come up with wisdom to find a way to understand and respect each other's positions so as to improve ties between Japan and China.

We need to pursue a comprehensive solution to resolving the problem, and to realize this, there is a need to properly address North Korea's concerns for a guarantee of security,

Ties with the two countries are extremely important ... We will continue to have dialogue including on issues where our views differ,

We need to continue cooperation with each country to avoid a repeat ... There is concern about the effects of high oil prices on both the biggest economies and in regions like Southeast Asia.

As the only country that has experienced a nuclear attack ... we have appealed to the global community to eradicate nuclear weapons.

Elvis is the best and in a class by himself

The result was more than I expected, ... The Japanese people said they wanted to keep reform, not stop reform. That was the voice of the people.

Adopting a stance that does not fear pain, does not flinch at the barriers of vested interests, and is not shackled by the experience of the past, I want to establish an economic and social system suitable for the 21st century.

That the World Exposition has proved such a resounding success is in no small part due to the tireless efforts of more than 120 countries and organizations, individual companies and groups and people from all walks of life,

This incident in the United States is extremely cowardly and is beyond what any words can describe.

There will be no end to reforms. Our task now is to create a strong foundation conducive to furthering reforms,

I want to explore ways to respond to the people's expectations by demonstrating the resolve to restart the party from scratch,

I don't think there are many Japanese citizens who are opposed to the government fighting against terrorism,

I am not disappointed in the president's position. (He) is enthusiastic about environmental issues, and there is still time to discuss this issue.

The composition of the Security Council must reflect these fundamental changes. Japan is convinced that Security Council reform is a just cause for the international community -- as is the deletion of the long-obsolete 'enemy state' clauses from the UN Charter,

After Galileo was convicted (for heresy by the Spanish Inquisition) for his theory that the Earth revolved around the sun, ... he replied, `Still, the Earth is moving.'

I am now being criticized (by the opposition) for being irresponsible for saying `I will not raise the consumption tax rate while I am in office,' ... But, when my successor does raise the consumption tax rate, it will not be simply a matter of being irresponsible. He will be criticized for raising the tax.

On the strength of strong public support, I will have (the postal reform bills) passed within this session,

I saw the various museum displays including scenes of torture while feeling heartfelt remorse and sorrow over the great pain and suffering inflicted on South Koreans by Japan's colonial rule,

To me, the appeal of opera lies in the fact that a myriad of singers and instruments, each possessed of different qualities of voice and sound, against the backdrop of a grand stage and beautiful costumes, come together in one complete and impressive drama.

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.

In the past, Japan through its colonial rule and aggression caused tremendous damage and suffering for the people of many countries, particularly those of Asian nations.

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.

This outrageous and vicious act of violence against the United States is unforgivable.

When experts say nuclear power generation is safe and doesn't cost much and this is the only way to go if we want to stop relying on coal, well, we believe them. But they've been lying to us for years. And the point is, we've never really known anything about nuclear power generation. We had little interest in it before 3/11, and we certainly had no idea how difficult it is to control nuclear energy.

Our country has caused tremendous damage and pain to the peoples of many countries, especially Asian countries, through colonial rule and invasion. Humbly acknowledging such facts of history, I once again reflect most deeply and offer apologies from my heart as well as express my condolences to all the victims of the last major war both in and out of the country,.

Although North Korea's position differs (from Tokyo's), Japan's basic stance remains unchanged ? to seek sincere responses from the North Korean side to resolve the abduction and nuclear issues,

I will set a target for the reduction of (government) employees ... I will implement the reduction of the total personnel costs of the employees.

I have advocated postal reform for many years. The parliament said it was an absurd argument. The people have said it was the right thing,

Privatization of the postal system has long been characterized as absurd, but I have always said it is only logical,