Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivered his first policy speech on Friday in which he said he was determined to realize a virtuous cycle of economic growth and distribution of wealth in an effort to revive the battered economy.
In the speech delivered at plenary sessions of both houses of the Diet, Kishida also pledged to make every effort to contain the coronavirus pandemic, while also providing financial support for businesses and benefits to households of nonregular workers and families with children.
Kishida reiterated his policy of realizing a new form of capitalism, saying that neoliberalism policies had created serious divisions in society.
"To realize both [economic] growth and the distribution [of wealth], all necessary policies will be implemented," he said.
Kishida cited such measures as tax support for companies that raise wages and a review of prices for public services related to nursing care and childcare so that wages can be raised.
Regarding the pandemic, Kishida revealed a plan to drastically strengthen the government's crisis management, such as legal revisions to curb the flow of people and secure medical resources.
He also announced a policy to provide payments to companies based on the scale of their businesses without putting limitations on their locations or the type of industry.
"For those in need, such as nonregular workers or families raising children, financial benefits will be provided," he said.
In the area of foreign and security policies, he revealed a plan to revise the National Security Strategy compiled in 2013, along with the National Defense Program Guidelines and Medium Term Defense Program.
With the capability to attack enemy bases in mind, Kishida said he would "further strengthen the country's defense capability including missile defense capabilities."
To resolve the issue of abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea, Kishida said he is prepared to meet the country's leader Kim Jong Un without conditions.
Kishida also set forth his plans to create a bill to promote economic security and to establish a universal health insurance system for all workers regardless of their employment status.
As for constitutional revisions, he said that discussions would be held at commissions on the Constitution of both houses of the Diet among members of both the ruling and opposition parties. He expressed hope that "national debate will be deepened."
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