I HAVE always said that the mission of Japan is to proclaim and demonstrate kodo1 throughout the world. Viewed from the standpoint of international relations, this amounts, I think, to enabling all nations and races to find each its proper place in the world. Accordingly the immediate aim of our foreign policy at present is to establish, in accordance with the lofty spirit of kodo, a great East Asian chain of common prosperity with the Japan-Manchoukuo-China group as one of the links. We shall thus be able to demonstrate kodo in the most effective manner, and pave the way for the establishment of an equitable world peace. We should be resolved to surmount all obstacles, both material and spiritual, lying in our path. Furthermore, in concert with those friendly Powers which are prepared to cooperate with us, we should strive with courage and determination for the fulfilment of the ideal and the heaven-ordained mission of our country.
1 Literally, "The Imperial Way," whereby the Japanese people, achieving a unity of mind, with the Emperor as Master and serving Him with loyalty and devotion, endeavour to establish a highly moral nation through whose moral influence they hope to contribute to the peace and welfare of the world.