I HAVE been profoundly moved to receive the Imperial Command to form a Cabinet. I am determined faithfully to discharge my duties in assisting the Throne in the administration of affairs of the State.
As we are all aware, Japan is facing a situation unprecedented in her history and the overcoming of the accompanying difficulties presents a task by no means easy to perform. If, however, under the august virtue of the Throne, the entire nation—the Government and the people—become united in displaying the traditions and ideals which form our national heritage, we are sure to achieve our purpose. Whenever beset with national crises, we Japanese have intensified our consciousness of national polity and have acted in perfect unity. Never has such unity been called for more urgently than at the present time.
The general policies of the present Cabinet will be published on due occasion. It is, however, a matter of course that they should follow the line of concentration of the entire national strength toward the realization of the objective of the present conflict. And in settling this conflict, the immutable course of action already established with Imperial sanction must be pursued. We are pledged, therefore, to carry out in the face of difficulties the measures started by the former Cabinet to achieve this end.
I am greatly impressed with the way in which all members of the nation are endeavouring to discharge their duties on the home front, in spite of the inconveniences imposed by the wartime structure, continually bearing in mind the hardships and privations endured by the Imperial forces during the past year and a half. Together with the rest of the nation, I am determined to rise to the occasion in accordance with the Imperial Command, with courage and hope.