Commemorative Gathering on the Day
of Disabled Persons

Monday, December 9, 2002

Click photographs to enlarge

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi attended the commemorative gathering on the Day of Disabled Persons held at the Yurakucho Asahi Hall in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. This gathering was held to commemorate the final year of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons decided upon in 1992 at the annual session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Moreover, a decision has been taken to extend the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons for an additional ten years. At the ceremony, following an address made by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, the Prime Minister's commendation was given to individuals and groups who have made notable contributions to improve the state of welfare for disabled persons, and the Prime Minister's award was given to the winners of the "Essays on Experiences that Expand the Network of Hearts" contest and the "Disabled Persons Day Poster" contest. In his address, Prime Minister Koizumi stated, "I hope that all of you will continue to exert your best efforts and keep up your good work so that we can realize a society in which everyone can be respected and rest assured that they can live a meaningful life."