Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi delivers an address during a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the LDP's foundation Nov. 22.

In an address as LDP president, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi repeated his vow to further promote reforms, referring to major past reforms -- modernizing the country in the late 19th century and rebuilding it from the ashes after World War II.

"The LDP was able to gain huge public support in the Sept. 11 general election on its 50th anniversary," Koizumi told a gathering of some 3,000 participants at a Tokyo hotel.

"We take it as an expression of appreciation for our performance in the past 50 years and willingness to advance reforms, and feel great responsibility," he said.

The party formally updated its philosophy and platform for the first time since 1995, featuring policies of pursuing self-defense and a new Constitution.

The Japan Times Weekly: Nov. 26, 2005
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