as they are support groups of the DPJ.

Prime Minister Koizumi has never said that (he would extend his term). He has said (he would stay) only until September of next year.

It is extremely regrettable. We hope investigation authorities will conduct a thorough probe.

It is a private visit and I would like to respect the Prime Minister’s visit to the shrine,

The (central and local) governments are supposed to find illegality, expose them and take steps against them, and obviously they were goofing off.

I heard a parliamentary officer contacted my son and confirmed there was no such fact.

This election serves as a national referendum on whether you are for or against the postal privatization. Unless we privatize the postal system, we cannot reform our social welfare.

Enactment of postal privatisation bills is the top item on the agenda.

Enactment of postal privatization bills is the top item on the agenda.

Japanese voters have shown in the last elections their deep understanding toward Prime Minister Koizumi who says pos-tal reform is the core of his reform program.

It’s essential to have all the four islands returned to Japan.

We must be prepared for any kind of situation we may face,