Japan's Prime Minister posts on YouTube
TOKYO (AP) - January 3, 2008 In his online New Year's message for 2008, Fukuda speaks in
English about the challenges facing the world in the coming year
and promises to play a leading role in finding solutions.
"Of these challenges, those that concern the environment
seriously affect all who live on this earth. Japan's mission is to
play a major role in this area," Fukuda says in the video set
against a backdrop of leather-bound books at his official
residence.
"We will contribute to creating a world where people can live
peacefully," he says in the five-minute clip - rarely smiling, in
line with his dour image.
As of Wednesday morning, the English video clip had been viewed
385 times, while a Japanese-language version had been viewed 1,465
times. Neither had yet prompted any viewers to post comments on the
site.
The clip is part of the "YouTube LDP Channel" launched last
month by Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party. It features
official party videos designed to reach a younger, wider and more
global audience.
English is widely used throughout Asia as an international
language of diplomacy, commerce and general communication.
The channel hosts about two dozen video clips, including
messages from LDP executives, a video summarizing the party's
history and a lawmaker playing a traditional Japanese banjo.
Fukuda will also make frequent appearances on the channel,
according to LDP multimedia chief Taro Kono.
"The LDP is the very first Japanese party to launch a channel
on YouTube," Kono said in another clip. "I hope you tune in when
you have nothing else to do."
Fukuda already sends out a weekly e-mail magazine in English and
Japanese outlining his beliefs and policies.
The initiative comes amid recent efforts by Japan - which is
trying to win a permanent seat on the United Nations Security
Council - to boost its international clout.
Tokyo sent troops to Iraq on a non-combat humanitarian mission
in 2003, and joined rescue efforts after a tsunami devastated large
parts of southern Asia in 2004. It withdrew from Iraq last year,
but maintains an air force presence in Kuwait.
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On the Net:
New Year's Greetings from Yasuo Fukuda:
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?vSwtDu1KDYo4&featureuser
