On 15 May 2025, former presidents, former UN Secretaries-General and other senior figures who make up The Elders met non-partisan Diet members of The Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation in the Special Room on Basement Level 1 of the First Members’ Office Building of the House of Representatives. Speaking during the session, Representative Asano noted the global surge of protectionism and stressed that such times demand a renewed emphasis on dialogue. Reporter: Koki Imon
Full text of Representative Satoshi Asano’s remarks
I serve as head of our party’s youth bureau, which brings together the younger legislators. Allow me to share a few thoughts from the perspective of a young politician.
Recently I came across the term “globalization paradox.” As globalization deepens, we start to see both the strengths and the weaknesses of our friends, while the gap between rich and poor widens—both among nations and within them. Consequently, protectionism is spreading.
Precisely in such times we must prioritise dialogue for the sake of the next generation. I believe the key word in that effort is trust. Earlier you remarked that Japan possesses a strong sense of ethics; that comment about ethical standards was deeply encouraging.
Many challenges lie before us, but we intend to hold fast to our ethics and work so that Japan can develop as a leader that serves people around the world.