Japan's new prime minister, Shinzo Abe, on Friday laid out his vision of a "Beautiful Country" that can be proud of its traditions and culture while also being respected and loved by the world.

Abe, 52, who took over this week as Japan's leader, the first born after the nation's defeat in World War II, has made it a central part of his agenda to escape a "post-war regime" that conservatives believe deprived Japanese of historical and cultural pride.

"Our country, Japan, is a country endowed with a long history, culture, tradition and beautiful natural environment of which we can be proud before the world," Abe told parliament in his first policy speech since becoming prime minister on Tuesday.

"The time has come for us to step forward, with quiet pride in our hearts to create a new country," he said, speaking in a low-key manner that contrasted sharply with the often emotional style of his popular maverick predecessor, Junichiro Koizumi.

Abe's rise to Japan's top job has aroused concerns in some quarters about a rise in nationalism, even as Tokyo seeks to repair ties with China and South Korea.

Relations with Beijing and Seoul were soured by Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni Shrine, seen by many as a symbol of Japan's past militarism due to Japanese leaders convicted as war criminals being revered there among the war dead.

On Friday, Abe sought to define his concept of a "Beautiful Country, Japan," as a nation that could both lead and be loved.

"It is a country that values its culture, tradition and history but also one with leadership that is trusted, respected and loved by the world," he said.

Muscular diplomacy, family values

Speaking on his commitment to closer ties with Tokyo's ally, the United States, Abe still sounded determined to boost Japan's say in global affairs, differing from past diplomacy, usually in line with Washington.

"The time has come for our country to shift to an assertive diplomacy based on new thinking," he said, repeating a mantra that had become familiar during his campaign to become ruling Liberal Democratic Party president, and hence, Prime Minister.

Abe said he wanted to build mutual trust with Beijing and Seoul, but devoted little space to the topic in his 15-page speech. Abe had backed Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni, but has declined to say if he would go there as prime minister himself.

"China and South Korea are important neighbors," he said. "Strengthening trust with the two is key for the Asian region and for the international community, and it is important for all sides to work to have honest, future-oriented discussions."

Abe has already agreed with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun that the two should meet soon, and Kyodo news agency reported on Friday that preparations were under way for him to visit Seoul in early October. This will only fuel speculation that Abe and Chinese President Hu Jintao will meet at a November Asia-Pacific leaders' gathering in Hanoi.

Abe also reiterated his determination to revise a 1947 law on the goals of education to put more discipline in Japan's classrooms, and said he wanted to address a sagging birth rate by promoting "family values" and making it easier to raise children.

"I want to undertake reforms of awareness so society as a whole shares family values and appreciates how wonderful it is to raise children," he said.

Reiterating his commitment to pursuing growth, one of his central policies, Abe pledged to fix Japan’s debt-riddled state finances and to keep Japan from becoming a society of permanent "haves and have-nots".

(China Daily September 30, 2006)