Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, speaking at the Liberal Democratic Party's annual convention Tuesday, again expressed his resolve to privatize postal services, saying that "without constant efforts for reform, possibilities for Japan's development will be closed." Mr. Koizumi defines postal privatization as the "centerpiece" of his reform agenda.

The party's action plan for 2005, however, makes no mention of "privatization" -- a sign that Mr. Koizumi's postal reform initiative is opposed by many members of his own party. The plan, adopted by the convention, merely says that "postal reform must truly contribute to the interests of the people."

Mr. Koizumi, for his part, shows no signs of relenting. On Monday, he called a meeting of private experts at his official residence to discuss the privatization issue. He is likely to concentrate on this issue during the regular Diet session, which opens this week. To his credit, Mr. Koizumi has given great impetus to the postal reform debate.