Courtesy Call from Junior Reporters from Okinawa

On July 30, 2024, Prime Minister Kishida received a courtesy call from junior reporters from Okinawa at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence.

Prime Minister Kishida said in his remarks:

“Thank you for coming all the way to the Prime Minister’s Official Residence today in this very hot weather. I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to you. I just listened to your songs, saw your dances, and received your greetings, all of which are full of love for your homeland Okinawa. I feel like both Minister Jimi and I received energy. I am deeply grateful for it.

Before I assumed the post of Prime Minister, I served as Minister of State for Okinawa Affairs, the same position as Minister Jimi, 15 or 16 years ago, which may be before you were born. Since that time, I have been on good terms with people in Okinawa in various ways. I have strongly felt that Okinawa is truly blessed with rich nature, a wonderful history and culture, making it a region Japan should take pride in.

I am sure that junior reporters like you have learned a variety of things and gained extensive knowledge through these activities this time. I express my sincere hope that each of you will utilize these activities as an opportunity to rediscover the attraction of Okinawa by taking a fresh look at your homeland Okinawa and what is exceptional about it.

I believe that all of you who participated today as junior reporters will work hard and lead your own wonderful lives going forward. In doing so, I expect you to play an active role in your respective fields, without forgetting the outstanding aspects of your homeland Okinawa or your feelings toward Okinawa.

Let me conclude my remarks of hearty welcome and appreciation for your visit today by expressing my sincere expectations that you all will have a bright future. Thank you very much for today.”