Will Smith inspires Japanese PM not to give up dreams

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo said Thursday his countrymen could use a piece of advice from the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness," a story of a homeless man and his young son who make good starring Will Smith.

Photo: Will Smith inspires Japanese PM not to give up dreams

Smith, in Japan to promote the movie, met the prime minister at his official residence.

"We are aiming to create a society that is full of chances and allows people to take up a challenge again," Abe said. "The movie presents us an example of such society," he said, adding that he wants to see the movie, which will open in Japan on Jan. 27.

"I think we should treasure the idea of not giving up dreams," Abe said.

The movie is based on the story of Chris Gardner, who became a millionaire business executive after getting evicted along with his young son and becoming homeless for a while.