In the past, Japan through its colonial rule and aggression caused tremendous damage and suffering for the people of many countries, particularly those of Asian nations.

After Galileo was convicted (for heresy by the Spanish Inquisition) for his theory that the Earth revolved around the sun, ... he replied, 'Still, the Earth is moving.'

I have advocated postal reform for many years. The parliament said it was an absurd argument. The people have said it was the right thing.

I will set a target for the reduction of (government) employees ... I will implement the reduction of the total personnel costs of the employees.

Although North Korea's position differs (from Tokyo's), Japan's basic stance remains unchanged ? to seek sincere responses from the North Korean side to resolve the abduction and nuclear issues.

Privatization of the postal system has long been characterized as absurd, but I have always said it is only logical.

This outrageous and vicious act of violence against the United States is unforgivable.

Using the Japan-U.S. alliance as a basis, it is important that we maintain and develop cooperative relations with our neighboring countries such as China, South Korea, and Russia.

On the strength of strong public support, I will have (the postal reform bills) passed within this session.

I saw the various museum displays including scenes of torture while feeling heartfelt remorse and sorrow over the great pain and suffering inflicted on South Koreans by Japan's colonial rule.

No one knows anything, really. It's all rented, or borrowed.

Death is the solution to all problems. No man - no problem.

Perhaps it sounds ridiculous, but the best thing that young filmmakers should do is to get hold of a camera and some film and make a movie of any kind at all.

When it comes to categorizing people, men and women into a group, it gets to be very dangerous.

Half of the secular unrest and dismal, profane sadness of modern society comes from the vain ideas that every man is bound to be a critic for life.

Out here, due process is a bullet.

The machinery of filmmaking is really slow and ponderous and I don't know how you're going to make it any faster with any of the systems, whether it's Red, Sony, or whatever.

Never take no for answer, and try to make films that turn you on.

You can say what Pilates is in three words. Stretch with Strength and Control. And the control part is the most important because that makes you use your mind.

I don't wanna sound pretentious talking about myself.