Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the inauguration ceremony for "WA Project": Toward Interactive Asia through "Fusion and Harmony" held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

"It is truly a pleasure to be able to celebrate the launch of the Asia Center of the Japan Foundation, and the launch of the 'WA Project': Toward Interactive Asia through 'Fusion and Harmony' with you today, in the presence of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado. 
Since assuming the office of Prime Minister, I have placed an emphasis on our relations with Asian countries. In particular, I visited all ten ASEAN member states in my first year of office. In December of last year, the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit was held in Tokyo in commemoration of the 40th year of friendship and cooperation between Japan and ASEAN member states. At the summit, the leaders adopted a vision statement for the future of ASEAN and Japan entitled 'Shared Vision, Shared Identity, Shared Future.'
As neighbors living together in Asia, we have a 'shared vision' for the future of the region, a 'shared identity' that mutually respects our diverse cultures and traditions, and a 'shared future' characterized by further prosperity.
I am sure that the Asia Center and the 'WA Project,' which were established based on the vision set forth at the summit, will lay the foundation for Japan and other Asian countries to work in concert as 'heart-to-heart partners.'
In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, in which Japan was struck by an unprecedented disaster involving an earthquake, tsunamis, and a nuclear accident, for a time we were so overwhelmed that it seemed that tomorrow would never come.
Three years later, reconstruction efforts are continuing every day in Tohoku. The Japanese economy is gradually beginning to show signs of revitalization, and the people are beginning to regain vitality and confidence. 
I take pride in the inner strength of the Japanese people and our spirit of not giving in to adversity. At the same time, we must never forget that in the meantime, Japan was supported by empathy and friendship extended to us from all around the world, including Asian countries. 
'Bloom proudly, o cherry tree, bloom in the heart of Japan.' 'Bloom proudly, o Japan, bloom in the heart of the world.'
These are the lyrics of a song called 'Sakura Yo,' or 'Wahai sakura (O, Cherry Tree).' Young people in Indonesia sang this song for Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake, in the hopes that Japan would persevere and that their beloved Japan would be restored.
I must do all I can to fulfil the wishes of the young people in Asia. Japan will become a country that blooms in the heart of the world and advances in concert with the rest of Asia.
I understand that later today this song will also be sung here at this venue. I very much hope that, like me, you will be touched by the borderless friendship that is captured in the song.
I truly look forward to young people from Japan and the rest of Asia being united by friendship and empathy in this way, sharing dreams for the future, and paving the way for a new era in the region.
Here at the International House of Japan, the beautiful cherry blossoms are still in bloom in the magnificent garden. I hope you enjoy viewing them. I believe Japan and the rest of Asia will bloom like a large and beautiful flower in the heart of the world, hand in hand.
I would like to conclude my congratulatory remarks by expressing my best wishes for the success of the activities of the Asia Center and the 'WA Project.' Thank you very much."