First half of 2005 might go slow, but the second half is expected to recover the pace as China's and U. S's economy is expected to recover sooner.
The biggest topic is to move social security system reforms forward. All of pension, medical insurance, and long-term care insurance must be reformed comprehensively. The government's attempt to privatize post office function at the Diet session will be carefully watched.
Japan's aid, amount-wise, is big, but presentation on Japan's total efforts needs improvement. Earthquake's economic impact on Japan and Asia will be limited. Attention must be brought to Tsunami that might be caused by "after tremor."
Declining birthrate has been observed for quite some time. Some measures have been taken but without expected results. The problem is difficult to solve, but the government must continue to make lives of people easier by implementing policies to hire women, elderly and non-Japanese workers; by promoting IT solutions; and by improving residential quality.