[Provisional Translation]

Last year, 70 years after the end of the war, I visited the United States and delivered an address, as the Prime Minister of Japan, at a Joint Meeting of the U.S. Congress. 

Many American youngsters were deprived of their dreams and futures because of that war.

I offered my eternal condolences to the souls of all American people who were lost during World War II, reflecting upon such harsh history. 

And I expressed gratitude and respect for all the people in both Japan and the United States who have committed themselves to reconciliation for the past 70 years.

70 years later, enemies that had fought each other so fiercely have become friends bonded in spirit, and have become allies bound in deep trust and friendship between us.  The Japan-U.S. Alliance, which came to the world in this way, has to be an alliance of hope for the world.  So I appealed in my address.

One year has passed since then. 

This time, President Obama, for the first time as the leader of the United States, paid a visit to Hiroshima, a city that suffered from an atomic bombing. 

The US President witnessed the realities of atomic bombings and renewed his determination for “a world free of nuclear weapons”.

This gave a great “hope” to people all around the world who have never given up their hope for “a world free of nuclear weapons”.

I would like to give a wholehearted welcome to this historic visit which had been awaited not only by the people of Hiroshima, but also by all the Japanese people.

I express my sincere respect for the decision and courage of President Obama.
With his decision and courage, we are making a new chapter to our history of the reconciliation of Japan and the United States and trust and friendship.

A few minutes ago, together, President Obama and I offered our deepest condolences for all those who lost their lives during World War II, and also by the atomic bombings.

71 years ago, in Hiroshima and in Nagasaki respectively, a number of innocent citizens were lost to a single atomic bomb without any mercy.

Each one of them had his or her life, dream and beloved family.

When I reflect on this sheer fact, I cannot help feeling painful grief.

Even today, there are victims who are still suffering unbearably from the bombings.

There are feelings of those who went through unimaginable tragic experiences, indeed, in this city, 71 years ago. 

It is utterly unspeakable.

Through their minds, various feelings might come and go. But, of these, this must be in common.

“At any place in the world, this tragedy must not be repeated again.”

It is the “responsibility of us who live in the present” to firmly inherit this deep “feeling”.

We are determined to realize “a world free of nuclear weapons”.

No matter how long and how difficult the road will be, it is the “responsibility of us who live in the present” to continue to make efforts.

The children who were born on that unforgettable day lit the “light”, hoping for permanent peace.

It is the “responsibility of us who live in the present” to make every effort for the peace and prosperity of the world, vowing for this “light”.

We will surely fulfill our responsibility.

Japan and the United States will together become a “light to bring hope” to the people in the world.

Standing in this city, I am firmly determined, together with President Obama.

This is the “only way” to respond to the feelings of countless spirits, who were the victims of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

I am truly convinced.