Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Ceremony to Commemorate the 120th Anniversary of the Japan Pharmaceutical Association held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

"I would like to express my deep respect to the Japan Pharmaceutical Association (JPA) which, for 120 years since its founding in 1893, has made great strides and advancements in pharmacology and the pharmaceutical industry, and has made profound contributions to the improvement of people's health through appropriate uses of pharmaceutical products and ensuring a system of healthcare provision.
Japan's healthcare system, which assures that everyone can receive high quality medical care without anxiety, is supported by the hard work of many in the medical field, including everyone at JPA.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you who have been actively engaged on the front lines of medicine for many years.
The environment surrounding healthcare is changing dramatically, including the rapid advancement of the declining birthrate and aging population, scientific and technological progress, and the sophistication of medical technologies.
In this context, at the National Council on Social Security System Reform, we have held numerous discussions to ensure that the people are able to live with a sense of reassurance, and medical system reform is our foremost priority.
In enhancing the medical system of the future, it is important that home care and nursing care services are strengthened.
Pharmacies and pharmacists have a large role to play in offering consultations, information, and other services regarding pharmaceutical products. I hope that you will continue to play an active role in your communities' healthcare bases.
Since last fiscal year, there have been pharmacists emerging who have received a six-year pharmaceutical education. This marks the start of a new era of pharmacists. I hope that they will demonstrate their practical skills in clinical practice and actively participate in team medicine, home care, and more.
Health and medicine is a central theme of the Growth Strategy that the Abe Cabinet is in the process of formulating. We consider the realization of world-leading medicine, including the development of innovative pharmaceutical products for practical use, to be a critical task.
We will make maximum efforts to work closely with all of you in aiming to realize a society in which people can live long lives in good health.
I would like to ask everyone at JPA to recognize the weight of your responsibilities and the extent of the people's expectations, and request your cooperation in providing your many years of experience and knowledge."