Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has delivered his New Year's message in which he vowed to help a diverse public realize happiness by revitalizing regional communities, that are facing serious population declines.

In the message, Ishiba says the drop in population has resulted in diminishing vitality for both regions and the economy.

He says he is determined to set his regional revitalization policy in motion and rectify the excessive concentration in Tokyo to build a Japan that fulfils his pledge.

Ishiba adds that he will effect a transition to a growth-driven economy led by wage increases and investment so that people can feel in tangible ways that their lives have become prosperous.

Ishiba has also pledged to strengthen anti-disaster and public security measures. He says the government will steadily advance efforts to create a disaster management agency and work to protect people from robberies and scams perpetrated by part-time workers who are being recruited to commit crimes.

As for diplomacy and national security, Ishiba says the international state of affairs surrounding Japan is severe and complex, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's repeated ballistic missile launches.

He says the government will protect Japan's interests.

Ishiba says he will sincerely and humbly take on issues, making the coalition between his Liberal Democratic party and its junior partner Komeito as the foundation. As he governs in a minority government, he says he will listen carefully to the views of the opposition bloc so that broadest possible agreements can emerge.

He stresses that he will make the new year one that brings prosperity and smiles to everyone.