Photo: New pledges made during the breaking of a barrel of ceremonial sake. (7th, Tokyo)

Representing the organizers, RENGO President Sasamori gave a speech. “This year will be an extremely important year in which we will, through renewing Japan, build an active Japan of tomorrow. Now with unemployment figures of 5.5% we cannot help but be terrified. Structural reform is important but without improving employment there can be no economic recovery—this is the collective will of the workers.” Sasamori continued seeking employment and economic revival/improvement by encouraging government and bureaucracy to “take this sense of crisis seriously and implement policies swiftly.” Further, regarding labor movements he said, “the unionization rate stands at approximately 20%. I would like you all to take to heart the fact that this will be a year in which all of you make a personal effort to implement the development of labor movements that will deliver 100% of our labor conditions.” In addition, he revealed his strong will by stating, “let us take the first step toward becoming a reliable, productive RENGO—a RENGO that conducts humane labor movements.”
Following that, Health, Labor, and Welfare Minister Sakaguchi, and NIKKEIREN VP Yamaji both offered speeches, which were followed by the traditional breaking opening of ceremonial sake barrels.
Prime Minister Koizumi rushed in at the end of the meeting to deliver a speech saying, “we will deepen our interaction with Labor, repeatedly exchange our opinions, and take firm action together on employment issues. I want to take to heart the fact that my administration is not simply one for the Liberal Democratic Party/Ruling Parties. It is an administration for the entire nation and I want to accomplish reforms that will lead to economic renewal.”