On January 5, RENGO held a festive New Year's party. Approximately 1,200 people representing the labor, politics, and business worlds gathered at a Tokyo hotel to celebrate the beginning of the 21st century. At the party RENGO announced the "RENGO 21st Century Declaration" marking the start of a new labor union movement.

Photo:Deputy President Enomoto toasts the new century.	Photo:President Washio speaking before 1200 participants.

Representing the organizers of the party, President Washio took the rostrum and said, "Labor unions should also gear themselves to the changing era." Expressing RENGO's determination for the new century he continued by saying, "they must not be dazzled by the speed of change but get back to basics and push ahead. 'Organize unions in every workplace,' will be our watchword to achieve positive results in organization expansion."

During his speech, President Washio announced the "RENGO Declaration for the 21st Century" which aims for a labor-centered welfare society. Since labor unions have their origins in human solidarity and will play a larger role in civil society in the future. He swore that RENGO will be a signpost of happiness and will strive to advance reform.

President Washio also pointed out that it is essential to make political decisions when forming rules to build social partnerships. From that standpoint he declared that "it is impossible to conduct reform within the current LDP politics. We want the non-LDP/anti-Communist camp to win at the next House of Councilors' election and push forward the reform." He called on both the New Komeito Party and the Conservative Party to team up saying "to achieve that goal, we must be determined to ignore minor conflicts of opinion for the sake of the greater common interest."

Other attendees who also gave speeches included Labor Minister Chikara Sakaguchi, Japan Federation of Employers' Associations Vice Chairman Tadao Suzuki, Democratic Party of Japan President Yukio Hatoyama, Social Democratic Party Secretary General Sadao Fuchigami, Liberal Party President Ichiro Ozawa, New Komeito Party Representative Takenori Kanzaki and others.