10 Speeches

This selection highlights ten of Shinzo Abe’s most epoch-making speeches, chosen for their significant impact both in Japan and around the world.

Policy Speech 165th session of the diet

2006.09.29

Against this background, I consider it my mission as the leader of the country to clearly point out to the nation with courage the direction in which Japan should be moving. The vision I am aiming for is that of ""a beautiful country, Japan"" - a country filled with vitality, opportunity, and compassion, which cherishes a spirit of self-discipline, and is open to the world.

The Bounty of the Open Seas:Five New Principles for Japanese Diplomacy

2013.01.18

Japan's national interest lies eternally in keeping Asia's seas unequivocally open, free, and peaceful--in maintaining them as the commons for all the people of the world, where the rule of law is fully realized.

Japan is Back speech at CSIS

2013.02.22

Japan is not, and will never be, a Tier-two country. That is the core message I am here to make. And I reiterate this by saying, I am back, and so shall Japan be.

Policy Speech 183th session of the diet

2013.02.28

"A strong Japan." The people who create it are not some other people. They are none other than we ourselves.
"National independence through personal independence"
We will be unable to open up our future unless we ourselves cast away the mindset of leaning on someone else and have the will to carve out our own destinies within our own respective areas.

The 13th IISS Asian Security Summit -The Shangri-La Dialogue-Keynote

2014.05.30

People call this “Abenomics” and classify it as a type of economic policy.But for me, it is a mission that goes far beyond economic policy. It is nothing less than an undertaking to foster “new Japanese” who will shoulder the responsibilities of the coming years.

Joint meeting of the U.S. Congress "Toward an Alliance of Hope"

2015.04.29

Distinguished representatives of the citizens of the United States, let us call the U.S.-Japan alliance, an alliance of hope.
Let the two of us, America and Japan, join our hands together and do our best to make the world a better, a much better, place to live.

Statement by Prime Minister

2015.08.14

On the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, we must calmly reflect upon the road to war, the path we have taken since it ended, and the era of the 20th century. We must learn from the lessons of history the wisdom for our future.

Prime Minister’s Address at the National Defense Academy Graduation Ceremony

2017.03.19

No one will protect a nation that lacks the will to defend itself. The foundation of security policy lies in our own efforts.
*Translated by the Staff

Resignation Announcement Press Conference

2020.08.28

Over the past seven years and eight months, I have taken on various challenges. Although many issues remain unresolved, there are also achievements and goals we have realized through these efforts. All of this was made possible thanks to the strong support and trust given to me by the people of Japan through each national election.
*Translated by the Staff

Commencement Speech at Kindai University

2022.03.28

Why was it possible for me to return as Prime Minister, despite so many saying it was impossible? It was not because I was particularly gifted. Unfortunately, it was not because I was especially strong either. There was only one reason — I never gave up. And above all, I had the courage not to give up because others gave me that courage.
*Translated by the Staff