[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call at the Prime Minister’s Office from people participating in the Ship for World Youth Leaders.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“I would like to welcome to Japan all the participants in the Ship for World Youth Leaders. My name is Shinzo Abe and I would like to offer you all my heartfelt greetings.

Since assuming the office of Prime Minister, I have had the opportunity to meet with leaders from all over the world, in Japan and during my trips overseas. It is during these interactions that I have been moved by their hard work to make their own countries, as well as the world, a better place.

I am aware that all of you come from a variety of different backgrounds, having worked in governments, international organizations, companies, NGOs, and other organizations. What does leadership mean for you? I hope that you take this opportunity to discuss this with your fellow participants and foster your own thoughts and leadership style.

We currently live in an era in which events all around the world are communicated instantly. I myself receive various reports and requests for decisions at all times of the day and night. Given this state of affairs, I believe that the time you spend with the other excellent participants on the ship in the middle of the ocean, without access to phone lines or the internet, will be a priceless experience for all of you. I hope that you take this opportunity to deepen your connections with other participants, who will all enrich your lives.

Just as your representative said earlier, you may still be budding leaders. However, I expect that at sea you will truly blossom as you absorb all the program has to offer.

I would like to conclude my remarks by expressing my expectations that all of you will also play a major role as bridges between your own countries and Japan, as well as between your own countries and the countries of the other people on your ship.”