Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso vowed on Thursday to lift the nation's real gross domestic product by 120 trillion yen by the year 2020.

Aso also pledged to add 4 million jobs compared with current levels by 2020, 500,000 of which will be created by exporting the country's "soft power" such as the unique "anime" and fashion culture to the world.

Aso said at a news conference that a market worth 20 trillion to 30 trillion yen would be created if business opportunities for Japan's soft power are expanded in other countries.

The ambitious goal will mainly rely on three main pillars -- a revolution to achieve a low-carbon economy, a society friendly to the elderly and a reinforcement of the nation's strength in soft power, Aso said.

He also vowed to spur new demand of 40 trillion to 60 trillion yen and create 1.4 million to 2 million jobs in the coming three years (US$1 is equivalent to 100 yen).

(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2009)