For the two days from October 4, RENGO held its 7th Regular Convention at Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho, Tokyo. This convention's slogan was "Power and Action ~ a Challenge for Hope." RENGO endorsed its direction for labor movements, which are now at a turning point as well as mutually promising to continue in the future to promote social movements as representatives of working citizens.

President Washio stood to speak on behalf of the organizers. Looking back over RENGO's history, he said, "although the questions we raised were basically correct, we should reflect on the fact that we failed to change society overall, especially with regard to implementing social justice." He also raised six concrete points for RENGO's goal: (1) secure employment, (2) compress labor condition differentials, etc. (3) realize policies and systems that benefit the nation, (4) expand organizations, (5) strengthen international solidarity, and (6) conduct activities for gaining power. In conclusion, President Washio threw out this request "we see many negative effects of enterprise-based unions (unit unions) which is the ideal of basic Japanese labor/management relations and of the labor movement. I want you to rid yourself of this idea."

Issues RENGO endorsed over the two-days included two reports ("RENGO Committee on Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century" and "Achievement of New Work Rules") for the realization of a "labor-centered welfare society," "Action Policies for FY 2002-2003" which set organization expansion as the highest priority, the "selection of officials," etc.

In response to the endorsement of the selection of RENGO officials, RENGO's new President Kiyoshi Sasamori introduced the new executive office (noted elsewhere) and gave an inauguration speech. "People are seeking labor movements that provide a bright future in this climate of future anxiety." Declaring RENGO's resolution for the coming fiscal year, Sasamori stated, "our every effort will be devoted to RENGO movements that fortify a ripple effect for every worker. Regardless of whether we are criticized for being slow to understand, we will stubbornly maintain labor union-ism and never forget our righteous indignation. Now it is the labor unions' turn. We will turn out in full power for "Power and Action ~ a Challenge for Hope."
The guests of honor for this convention included Prime Minister Koizumi, Democratic Party of Japan President Hatoyama, Social Democratic Party President Doi, Liberal Party Secretary General Fujii, and ICFTU (International Confederation of Free Trade Unions) General Secretary Bill Jordan, who offered congratulatory speeches. Prime Minister Koizumi stated "I create opportunities to hear your opinions and I want to achieve a reform that will allow Japan to navigate its current rough seas and regain a hope which will help Japan realize its potential. I will conduct policy operations in the belief that RENGO members are my allies and never think that (RENGO is) an opposition element. Change is a chance for growth. I will put my every effort into realizing the policy of "no growth without reform."