The election was one in which voters gave their verdict on the frayed Koizumi administration.

The true nature of the party has not changed. It is still dependent on bureaucrats, leaving everything up to them. In reforming the expressway public corporations, the party said it would not build new roads, but in the end it reached the conclusion that it would construct all planned roads.

I like Americans, but they are somewhat monocellular. When I talk with Americans, I often wonder why they are so simpleminded.

The Constitution is the fundamental rule for people to live in society. If the rule no longer suits the lives of the general public due to changing times, it should be changed. That goes for regular laws as well as the Constitution.

We need to strengthen Asian diplomacy.

I believe that changing government power is the true reform.

It was a meaningful victory. We regained our confidence.

A number of people are concerned about the Japanese politics. In order to meet people's expectations, we will do our best to realize a change of government.

The Democratic Party of Japan is facing a critical moment right now.

We have only one goal: We will force the ruling coalition to a minority status in next year's upper house election. With this momentum, we will realize a change of power.