Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said yesterday he wanted to move quickly toward revising the post-World War II pacifist Constitution, in his first policy speech to parliament since taking office.
"The present Constitution was established at a time when Japan was occupied and since then nearly 60 years have passed," said Abe, Japan's first leader born after World War II.
"Active debates are underway for a constitution that would be more suitable to a new generation," Abe said.
"First of all, I hope bills to set up the necessary steps to revise the Japanese Constitution will pass the parliament at an early stage," he said.
Abe also laid out his vision of a "Beautiful Country" that can be proud of its traditions and culture while also being respected -- and loved -- by the world.
Abe, 52, who took over this week as Japan's first leader born after Japan's defeat in World War II, has made it a central part of his agenda to escape a "post-war regime" that conservatives believe deprived Japanese of pride in their history and culture.
"Our country, Japan, is a country endowed with a long history, culture, tradition and beautiful natural environment of which we can be proud before the world," Abe told parliament in his first policy speech since becoming prime minister last Tuesday.
"The time has come for us to step forward, with quiet pride in our hearts to create a new country," he said, speaking in a low-key manner that contrasted sharply with the often emotional style of his popular maverick predecessor, Junichiro Koizumi.
Abe's rise to Japan's top job has aroused concerns in some quarters, both at home and abroad, about a rise in nationalism, even as Tokyo seeks to repair ties with China and South Korea.
Relations with Beijing and Seoul were soured by Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni shrine, seen by many as a symbol of Japan's past militarism because Japanese leaders convicted as war criminals are revered there along with war dead.
On Friday, Abe sought to define his concept of a "Beautiful Country, Japan," as a nation that could both lead and be loved.
"It is a country that values its culture, tradition and history" -- but also one "with leadership that is trusted, respected and loved by the world," he said.
Abe spoke of his commitment to tighter ties with Tokyo's security ally, the US, but also expressed his determination to boost Japan's say in global affairs, a break from past diplomacy, which has tended to follow Washington.
"The time has come for our country to shift to an assertive diplomacy based on new thinking," he said, repeating a mantra that had become familiar during his campaign to become ruling Liberal Democratic Party president.
Abe said he wanted to build mutual trust with Beijing and Seoul, but devoted little space to the topic in his 15-page speech. Abe had backed Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni, but has declined to say if he would go there as prime minister himself.
"China and South Korea are important neighbors," he said. "Strengthening trust with the two is key for the Asian region and for the international community, and it is important for all sides to work to have honest, future-oriented discussions."
Abe has already agreed with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun that the two should meet soon, and Kyodo news agency reported yesterday that the preparations were under way for him to visit Seoul early next month.
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