Japan's Diet, or parliament, has begun its annual session.
Japan's prime minister has vowed his country will play a more proactive role in global peace and stability in cooperation with the United States.
Recently, Japan's relations with China and South Korea have been damaged by territorial and historical issues, as well as a controversial visit by Japanese officials to the Yasukuni Shrine.
The Prime Minister also says he will make revitalizing Japan's sluggish economy a priority.
Cleaning up radioactive contamination will also be a top issue.
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant will be decommissioned to reduce the country's dependence on nuclear power.
