A farewell party for former Speaker of the House of Representatives Hiroyuki Hosoda, who passed away last November, was held in his hometown of Matsue.
Mr. Hosoda, a native of Matsue City, served as Chief Cabinet Secretary, Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and passed away in November last year at the age of 79.
Approximately 550 people attended the farewell party held locally on the 11th, including members of the Diet, Governor Maruyama of Shimane Prefecture, and other people from the political and business circles with whom he had close friendships.
During the ceremony, Speaker Nukaga of the House of Representatives read out his eulogy, saying, ``From beginning to end, he strove to establish party politics and made a great contribution to the advancement of parliamentary democracy.His achievements are truly great.''
Next, House of Councilors member Kazuhiko Aoki, who serves as vice chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party's Shimane Prefecture Federation, said, ``We have lost a key figure in Shimane politics, and we vow to rise from the disappointment and move even further toward the regional revitalization that he has been aiming for.'' ” he said.
On behalf of the bereaved family, the eldest son, Akinobu Hosoda, expressed his gratitude, saying, ``I think there were some regrets, but I think I was blessed with the encounters I had, and with the support of so many people here, I lived my life to the fullest and had a happy life.'' said.
Former Prime Minister Mori and others also visited the venue, and they quietly clasped hands and said their farewells.