Rookie lawmakers gathered at the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s headquarters in Tokyo.

They are the 66 newly elected House of Representatives members known as the “Takaichi Children.”

S/ Saito Ken, LDP lower house member / What I want to tell you is that while your efforts contributed to your victories, they are largely thanks to the power of Prime Minister Takaichi.

S/ Suzuki Shunichi, LDP Secretary-General / Please never forget to always maintain a humble attitude.

In the past, the LDP had a freshman lawmaker like this.

S/ Sugimura Taizo, Then LDP lower house member / These are my honest feelings. I am filled with the feeling that I simply have to do it.

At the time, Sugimura Taizo was the LDP’s youngest newly elected Diet member at age 26.

Just after his election, he caused a stir with comments such as wanting to go to high-end traditional restaurants and drive a BMW.

S/ Sugimura Taizo, Then LDP lower house member / I would like to flatly deny it. I have not purchased a BMW. But ever since my days as a corporate employee, I have coveted one.

Takaichi’s LDP secured an unprecedented number of seats in the February 8 election.

S/ Takaichi Sanae, Prime Minister / (Lotus roots) are considered lucky because you can see through them to the future. The Takaichi Cabinet plans to drastically change the way budgets are allocated to improve predictability for local governments and businesses.

Precisely because the party has such momentum, there were words of caution.

S/ Suzuki Shunichi, LDP Secretary-General / Regarding your remarks, speaking your mind freely may feel refreshing to the speaker, but you must consider what kind of impact your words may have.

The training session lasted about an hour and a half.

S/ Kanazawa Yui, Rookie LDP lawmaker / I learned from senior colleagues about the mindset required of a Diet member. I will do my best. Thank you.

After the session, almost none of the new lawmakers agreed to be interviewed by the media.

A training participant said there was a warning to be careful with the press, and that might be why no one responded.

Among them, new lawmaker Fujita Hikaru agreed to be interviewed.

She made it through the election while pregnant.

S/ Fujita Hikaru, Rookie LDP lawmaker / I received advice on the mindset of an LDP lawmaker and on activities in my constituency. It was meaningful. Based on the guidance I received, I believe that communicating, including through social media, is part of a Diet member’s job. I want to be mindful of my health while safely giving birth and fulfilling my duties as a Diet member.

Many of the new lawmakers will attend their first parliamentary session on February 18.