I would like to extend my sincere New Year's greetings.

Last year marked a turning point of historic proportions. Amid profound turbulence in the international order painstakingly built since the postwar period, the political and economic frameworks surrounding Japan also underwent significant transformation. Under these circumstances, the Takaichi Administration, inaugurated in October, has embarked with remarkable speed and determination on efforts to realize a robust economy through strategic investments.

Today, we stand at a critical juncture that will determine whether we can bequeath a bright future to coming generations. It has become more important than ever for companies themselves to transform their mindsets and to expand boldly and proactively their investments in capital equipment, research and development, and human resources. Keidanren is resolved to play a leading role in advancing the transition to an "investment-led economy," and to focus on the following key policy areas in order to strengthen Japan's potential growth capacity.

First, we seek to realize Japan as a science and technology–oriented nation through the continuous creation of innovation. In order to give concrete form to the government's vision of a "technology-driven nation," we will work in close public–private partnership to expand investment in research and development. At the same time, we will call for the strengthening of central policy coordination to ensure the forceful implementation of these initiatives.

Second, we will promote integrated reform of taxation, fiscal policy, and the social security system. It is expected that the National Conference, whose establishment the government has announced, will see full-scale discussions, including the structure of benefits and burdens. Keidanren will engage actively in these deliberations.

Third, we will work to revitalize regional economies and communities. In conjunction with efforts toward wide-area cooperation among regions, it is essential that effective measures be developed and implemented under the "Strategy for the Future of Regions" advocated by Prime Minister Takaichi. Keidanren will cooperate closely with the government while aiming to realize the "New Regional Bloc Concept" encompassing multiple prefectures.

Fourth, we will advance labor market reform. While enhancing productivity through measures such as the proactive promotion of labor mobility, we will work to ensure the "further entrenchment" of the strong momentum toward wage increases. At the same time, with the protection of workers' health as a fundamental premise, we will urge the government to review labor time regulations to allow for greater flexibility and autonomy, particularly through the expansion of the discretionary labor system.

Fifth, we will strive to maintain and strengthen a free and open international economic order, with the aim of realizing a fair trade and investment environment based on clear and predictable rules.

Sixth, we will secure a stable supply of affordable and reliable clean energy and promote Green Transformation. We will continue to follow up closely on the concretization and implementation of "The 7th Strategic Energy Plan" of Japan.

Seventh, we will advance corporate governance reform toward sustainable growth. We will call for the development of institutional frameworks that enable companies to undertake growth-oriented investment autonomously and proactively from a medium- to long-term perspective.

In addition, building on the legacy of the World Expo 2025, which concluded successfully, we will spare no effort to ensure the success of the GREEN × EXPO 2027.

In the year ahead, we are determined to further strengthen public–private collaboration and to fulfill our responsibility to future generations through the agile and resolute implementation of necessary policies. We respectfully ask for your understanding and cooperation in establishing a robust economy driven by the private sector.