When the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake hit Japan, affected people lined up in an orderly fashion to wait their turn to receive supplies. Not a single riot occurred. This behavior was highly applauded by people around the world. This indicates that the spirit of bushido, which has long been passed down in Japanese society, is once again appreciated around the world. In the ongoing efforts of Japan and the Japanese people to expand their contributions to the international community, we need to rethink the identity of the Japanese people and hold an accurate view of the world and history.

For our generation to fulfill our responsibility to future generations, fiscal and other reforms are important. What is equally or even more important is for us to maintain Japan’s proper position in the world and ensure a fair assessment of the country. To leave misunderstandings or false impressions uncorrected would be extremely irresponsible to our descendants. We need to continue acting to ensure Japan is assessed fairly.