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[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) relations held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“Exactly 50 years ago from today, our two countries signed the Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the ROK, thereby beginning a new era.

I would like to express my heartfelt joy that on this special day marking the 50th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-ROK relations, celebratory events are being held simultaneously in Tokyo and Seoul.

50 years ago, both my grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, and my granduncle, Eisaku Sato, were deeply involved with the normalization process between our two countries. Now, 50 years later, as Prime Minister myself, I am extremely pleased to be able to experience this wonderful day and attend this celebration.

I am also happy to be joined in Tokyo today by Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se, and I am glad that the celebration in Seoul is being attended by President Park Geun-hye.

When diplomatic relations were first normalized between Japan and the ROK, we were seeing 10,000 travelers between our two countries annually. Today, that number has surpassed 5 million per year.

Furthermore, the value of trade between our two countries is now approximately 110 times greater than it was 50 years ago.

In 2002, we jointly held the soccer World Cup in both Japan and the ROK. Furthermore, in recent years, we have enjoyed cultural booms in each other’s countries, with the rising popularity of hanryu (Korean) culture in Japan and nichiryu (Japanese) culture in the ROK.

Our active exchanges of people, close economic relations, and mutual sharing of cultures are irreplaceable assets that both countries have created together since the normalization of relations. The development of Japan-ROK relations in this way has been made possible by the ceaseless efforts of many people while overcoming countless challenges.

In the process, I believe that both our countries have widely shared a powerful idea that, ‘The ROK is the most important neighboring country for Japan, and Japan is the most important neighboring country for the ROK. We must continue to develop our relationship through mutual trust.’

I think it is important that this year, half a century after the normalization of diplomatic relations, we again look back at the history of the development of Japan-ROK relations over the past 50 years, and reaffirm this mutual idea that has been shared between the people of both our countries.

The theme of the 50th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-ROK relations is ‘Building a new future, together.’

We have shared many strategic benefits. Looking at the current situation in Northeast Asia, the strengthening of cooperation between Japan and the ROK, as well as the strengthening of trilateral Japan-ROK-US cooperation – in fact I can see US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy in attendance today – are indispensable for the peace and security of both our countries, as well as the entire Asia-Pacific region.

My home region of Shimonoseki was the landing point for the Korean mission to Japan in the Edo period. Shimonoseki City is now a sister city with Busan, and every year they hold a ‘Little Busan Festival’ in November.

There are many municipalities all across Japan that have formed sister city relationships with ROK municipalities, and I hope to further develop such regional exchanges in the future as well. 

I am confident that our cooperation on regional and global issues, and our joint efforts to advance our international contributions will lead the way to a new future for both Japan and the ROK.

Ladies and gentlemen, as we look back over our 50 year history of friendship, cooperation, and development, let us look forward toward the next 50 years, join hands, and create a new era for both our countries.

I myself hope to join efforts with President Park to work toward that purpose.

Both Japan and the ROK owe much to everyone in attendance today. All of you have worked so hard for the development of Japan-ROK relations.

I would like to close my remarks by again expressing my heartfelt respect for you all, my wishes for your continued health and success, and my hope for a new future for Japan-ROK relations.”