Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday he plans to unveil his vision for a new Japan in 2015 that builds its postwar pacifism as the country marks the 70th anniversary since its defeat in World War II.
Abe pledged in his New Year address to maintain a priority on economic revitalization and to push for "bolder and speedier" reforms. He said his government had already tackled post-disaster reconstruction, educational and social security reforms, and the rebuilding of Japan's diplomacy and security.
"I hope this year will be a year (for Japan) to show to the world the future shape of a country that we aim to create, and make a strong start toward building that new country," Abe said.