The following is a provisional translation of the policy speech given Monday by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to the 151st session of the Diet:

Aiming for Restoration in a New Century

Humbly accepting your support, I have taken office as prime minister of our nation. The pressure and tension of this office are greater than I could have imagined, but I am resolved to devote myself entirely to managing the affairs of state and to measuring up to the support and expectations with which the people of our nation and the distinguished members of the Diet have given me this noble task.