The 198th ordinary Diet session was convened today.  Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave a policy speech at the opening of the session, seeking understanding for his plan to raise the consumption tax from 8 percent to 10 percent in October. He also expressed his intention of amending the Constitution, settling the territorial dispute with Russia and signing a peace treaty, and strengthening the nation's cyber and space defense programs. For more details, please check coverage on NHK World.  The speech text will be uploaded to the website of the Prime Minister's Office.