[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a congratulatory telephone call to Professor Takaaki Kajita, Director of the Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo,  who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

In his congratulatory remarks, the Prime Minister said,

“I would like to truly congratulate you for being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

I received this wonderful news right before my banquet with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. I shared the news with the Prime Minister, and he was truly pleased by it. The Prime Minister asked me to relay to you that it also makes Sri Lanka happy that a person from Japan was awarded a Nobel Prize and to send his congratulations to you.

A Japanese researcher has received the Nobel Prize for the second consecutive day. I believe the entire country is filled with joy right now. I am told you pursued your research under the strict guidance of Dr. Masatoshi Koshiba. I am sure the awarding of Nobel Prizes to teacher and disciple will provide much encouragement to researchers who will follow in your footsteps.

Neutrinos are quite a difficult topic for me, but from what I have heard, your research was groundbreaking and disproved a previously established theory in physics, sending a shock wave throughout the world. Indeed, your research is a demonstration of the fundamental strengths of Japan’s basic research, and it makes me truly proud.

I imagine there will continue to be various questions that need to be addressed. While I gather that you have already decided your next theme, I hope you will also tackle the romantic notions we have, beginning with simple questions such as why space as it exists today was formed, along with various other mysteries, and give courage to young people.

I wish you further success in your endeavors. Again, my sincere congratulations.”