[Title] Video Message by Prime Minister Kishida at the DISCOVER Japan's NEW TREASURES reception, a United Nations General Assembly side event

Welcome to the "DISCOVER Japan's NEW TREASURES" reception.

Here in New York, where gourmets gather, there are an increasing number of Japanese restaurants offering delicious Japanese seafood, Japanese Wagyu (beef), authentic shochu and Japanese sake,but there are still many exquisite excellent foods that cannot be tasted even in New York, and many moving experiences that can only be had in Japan. We hope that this reception will give you a taste of some of the charms of Japan that are not yet well known.

Today, we have prepared a booth where visitors can try on a twelve-layered robe (junihitoe), a garment worn 1,200 years ago, and experience a tea ceremony while watching a projection mapping of Japanese nature, culture, fireworks, and festivals in a tea ceremony room. In addition, we have prepared typical Japanese foods such as citrus juice from my hometown Hiroshima, wagyu beef from Miyazaki, and scallops from Hokkaido.

In this context, I would like to ask you all to know one point regarding Japanese marine products. Last month, Japan began discharging ALPS treated water into the sea as a necessary initiative to decommission the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The results of monitoring have confirmed that the water is safe, and we will continue to discharge the water appropriately, based on scientific evidence and with transparency, under the review of the IAEA.

However, some countries are suspending imports for reasons that are not based on scientific evidence. I hope that all of you here today who love Japanese food will support safe and delicious Japanese seafood.

Lastly, I hope that today's experience will be an opportunity for you to come to Japan and experience more than just Japanese food culture; let's work together to make 2024 the "U.S.-Japan Tourism Year" a great success. Thank you very much.