(单词翻译:单击)
At his first press conference of the year, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said his cabinet will reflect on war history. This echoes Emperor Akihito's call for the nation to learn from history in his New Year speech.
Abe says the Japanese government will adhere to the Murayama Statement, the apology and remorse1 issued in 1995 by then prime minister Tomiichi Murayama.
"We will inherit the stance of previous cabinets with regards to the interpretation2 of history, including the Murayama Statement," Abe said.
Abe to persevere3 with Abenomics
During the New Year conference on Monday, Abe also expressed his determination to push forward Abenomics to revitalize the economy.
He stressed that his "three arrows" of economic revival4 — fiscal5 stimulus6, monetary7 easing and structural8 reforms — have transformed Japan's economy from negative to positive growth.
The prime minister pledged to achieve tangible9 economic recovery through higher incomes and expanded consumption.
To continue in the line of Abenomics and tackle deflation, his policy approach will switch from offense10 to defense11 this year, he said.