97th ILC plenary speech by Mr. Ito, Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Labour and Welfare, Government of Japan (9 June 2008)

Thank you Mr. Chairperson,
 
I would first like to express my deepest sympathy to those who have been affected by the cyclone in Myanmar, and the earthquake in China. Our Government is sending support, and I hope for swift recovery for our neighbours.
 
Mr. Chairperson,
Next year will mark the 90th anniversary of the ILO. Japan has a long relationship with the ILO, so let me look back for a moment by way of preparing for the celebration. 80 years ago, Japan welcomed the first visit of the Director of the ILO, Mr. Albert Thomas. He observed the situation of cotton-mill workers and exchanged views with young officials from the newly born Bureau of Social Affairs.
 
He also met 88-year-old Eiichi Shibusawa, known as “the father of Japanese capitalism.”  Born as a farmer during the feudal period,  Shibusawa was elevated to the samurai class at the end of that period. He then served as a senior official of the new reformist government, and later became a successful entrepreneur. His contribution to the state won him the title of a baron, and subsequently a viscount. In short, he is a symbol of Japan’s development towards a modern industrialized economy.
 
Admitting his role in introducing capitalism and industrialism to Japan,  Shibusawa declared, “It was necessary, and I do not regret it.” But he immediately added that industrialism caused some distress, and told Mr. Thomas that “I regard it as my duty to correct or rather to supplement what I have done by helping to obtain recognition for the trade unions in negotiations with the employers, and by promoting the restoration of stability and harmony.” Later, in his report to the Governing Body, Mr. Thomas recalled that he had heard this remark “not without emotion” and appreciated the spirit of the remark.
 
80 years on, the spirit of Shibusawa’s comment appears to remain as relevant as ever. It was recognition by a business leader that the innovative and productive function of the market must be supplemented by the perspective of balance and equity, and that social dialogue was of utmost importance.
 
Perhaps more strikingly, if we replace the term “industrialism” with “globalization,” his comment even resonates with our perception of today’s world in a wider sense. We do not deny globalization, but we are concerned about, and take action on, the social dimension of globalization.
 
Indeed, although the creation of a “universal peace” has been the aim of the ILO from the outset, global interdependence has never been felt more acutely than in the current world. Climate change is one issue representing this trend. Last month, we welcomed Director-General Juan Somavia to the coastal city of Niigata, where the G8 Labour and Employment Ministers Meeting was held. Our agenda included the balance between employment and environment, and Mr. Somavia led the discussion by identifying the key issues for green job strategies. We are happy to announce the adoption of the “Niigata Global-Balance Principle,” a pledge to promote social dialogue and cooperation at the workplace towards achieving a coherent balance of growth, employment, productivity and concern for the environment.
 
In realization of this pledge, and in realization of the wider goal of decent work in Japan, we will continue to look to the Director-General for his leadership. In this age of global interdependence, the ILO’s expertise has become indispensable. That is why the strengthening of the ILO’s capacity is so important. We give our full support to the discussion held in this Conference. But the real work has only just begun. Japan will continue to be interested in the process of discussing how to steer the ILO in the right direction to effectively and efficiently provide support for constituents.
 
Mr. Chairperson,
Japan will commit itself further to play its part as a firm believer in decent work, particularly in the concerted regional effort under the “Asian Decent Work Decade”. Working together with the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Japan will continue its endeavour towards 2015.
 
Thank you.