Japan's new prime minister today 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.
Mr Shinzo Abe (52), who took over this week as Japan's first leader born after Japan's defeat in World War Two, has made it a central part of his agenda to escape a "post-war regime" that conservatives believe deprived Japanese of pride in their history and culture.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
"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," Mr 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.
Relations with Beijing and Seoul were soured by Mr Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni Shrine, seen by many as a symbol of Japan's past militarism because Japanese leaders convicted as war criminals are revered there along with war dead.
Today, Mr 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.
Mr Abe spoke of his commitment to tighter ties with Tokyo's security ally, the United States, but also expressed his determination to boost Japan's say in global affairs, a break from past diplomacy, which has tended to follow Washington.
Mr Abe's rise to Japan's top job has aroused concerns in some quarters, both at home and abroad, about a rise in nationalism, even as Tokyo seeks to repair ties with China and South Korea.