Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will deliver his policy speech of the new year today. The hostage crisis, social issues, and Abe's push to a constitutional amendment are the focus of public attention.

According to Japanese media reports, Abe will strongly condemn the killing of two Japanese hostages by Islamic State militants. He will stress the determination to eradicate terrorism and strengthen Japan's cooperation with the international community on this matter.

Some analysts say Abe will also use the opportunity to promote the constitutional amendment enlarging overseas activities of Japan's Self-Defense Forces. On Tuesday, the cabinet approved a new charter. It allows the government to support foreign military troops by funds from the nation's Official Development Assistance program.

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