"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Congratulatory Message by Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio at the U.S.-Japan Council

[Place]
[Date] October 28, 2022
[Source] Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet
[Notes] Provisional translation
[Full text]

I am Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio. I extend my sincere congratulations to the U.S.-Japan Council on its first in-person Annual Conference in three years being held in Tokyo.

Late last month, we held the State funeral for late Prime Minister ABE Shinzo. Vice President Kamala Harris and I agreed to continue close coordination between Japan and the U.S. toward further strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance and realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," carrying on the legacy of former Prime Minister Abe.

It is also extremely unfortunate that we lost long-term Japanese American supporters of the Japan-US relations; Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye President of U.S.-Japan Council, and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Honorable Norman Y. Mineta, during the period in-person cross-border exchanges were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I would like to take this opportunity to once again extend my sincere condolences.

For the past two decades, the U.S.-Japan Council has been passionately working to strengthen the bonds between Japan and the U.S., and between Japan and Japanese Americans. This type of work has real significance, in creating the foundation for Japan-U.S. friendship in the future.

When I met President Biden during his visit to Japan in May, we recognized the rich history of Japanese Americans, their contributions, and cultural achievements. We also agreed to have leaders of the next generation of Japanese American involved in future Japan-U.S. cooperation. I promise to continue to work with you to strengthen Japan's relationship with Japanese Americans, and with the United States of America, Japan‘s most important alliance partner.

Finally, I want to thank the Chair of the USJC Board of Councilors Mr. Ernest M. Higa, Chair of the Board of Directors Mr. Paul Yonamine, President and Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Basalla, the sponsors that support the U.S.-Japan Council, and each individual who has supported the Council. I wish the Council continued growth and success in the future. Thank you.