Blessed with good weather, on April 28th, RENGO held its 72nd May Day Central Rally at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo with the slogan "Break Through Job/Living Standard Threatening Danger! Gather Together the Total Power of the Workers and Let's Realize New Politics by Changing the Political Administration!" At the first May Day of the 21st Century, approximately 100, 000 working comrades gathered. After the ceremony, RENGO conducted a demonstration parade to appeal to the people for a change in government. Also this May Day, new Prime Minister Koizumi attended after only being appointed on April 26. This was made possible by request from Prime Minister Koizumi's camp. RENGO received the request to break two years of strained relations between RENGO and the government. There has been a five-year gap since a Japanese Prime Minister attended a RENGO May Day, the most recent being 1995 (PM Murayama) and 1996 (PM Hashimoto).

From the outset, RENGO President Washio stated in his opening speech, "this address will grate on the ears of Prime Minister Koizumi." In his talk, he touched on the fact that this year's May Day was not intended to be a "festival" but a seriousplace to funneling the anger and demands of the workers to break through the serious dangers threatening jobs and living standards. "The most significant source of the current stagnated situation is LDP politics / LDP-New Komeito-Conservative Party administration. This serious situation was brought upon us because the government's economic and job policies lacked effectiveness," Washio severely condemned. Going on, he stated "what is necessary now is to create a way of living and working that show us a secure future. We firmly believe that job policies are in fact economic policies" and pledged to enforce activities that would realize RENGO policies. Finally, President Washio said, "structural reform for the people is impossible with the present 3-party ruling coalition. We need a political power to take over and create a political administration that will sincerely listen to our voices" and he appealed for the collection of power to seek a change of the political administration in the coming July House of Councilors election.

Wearing a RENGO May Day windbreaker, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi responded foremost to President Washio's address which pointed out "the nature of LDP politics hasn't changed beyond simply repainting a signboard." The Prime Minister said, "I want you all to realize that my being appointed Prime Minister in effect means the same as a change in government." Further, PM Koizumi said, "'Carrying Through Reform' for there can be no economic recovery without structural reform, this is the basic principle of the Koizumi Cabinet. We hope to build a framework that will allow Japan to truly face the 21st century and create policies that will be supported by many citizens. What is most important is bringing the greatest happiness to the greatest number. I will humbly listen to your requests and pour all my efforts into developing Japan." This he said seeking support and cooperation for these things.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Sakaguchi, representatives from the DemocraticParty of Japan, the Social Democratic Party, and the Liberal Party, and President Goto of the Central Labor and Welfare Association.
Democratic Party of Japan President Hatoyama stated in his address, "Prime Minister Koizumi should know better than anyone else that reform is impossible to perform in a coalition government. Discerning the real nature of the cabinet, I want to clarify the differences. We must start a government with workers at its center and no strings attached." Social Democratic Party leader Doi clearly displayed her resolution by stating, "I don't really understand the contents of the Koizumi administration's reform. I will fight for a political administration that respects the human rights of workers." Liberal Party Secretary General Fujii followed emphasizing, "economic policies absolutely require job stability and stable social security such as basic pensions, medical care for the aged and nursing care."
Deputy President Enomoto delivered the May Day declaration (separate page) and President Washio lead the crowd in a "Let's Do It!" cheer to close the ceremony. After the ceremony, the crowd split into five courses and conducted a demonstration march.