Courtesy Call from Junior Reporters from Okinawa

On August 18, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi received a courtesy call from junior reporters from Okinawa at the Prime Minister’s Office.

In her remarks, Prime Minister Takaichi said as follows:

(Prime Minister Takaichi) 
Junior reporters, thank you very much for coming all this way in this extremely hot weather to visit the Prime Minister’s Office.

I have just had the pleasure of seeing your wonderful performance—a song filled with love for your home and a beautiful dance—and it has truly lifted my spirits. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As you mentioned just now, Okinawa is a region blessed with truly beautiful nature and a wonderful, distinctive culture rich in international influences.

I myself am very fond of Okinawa. When my husband was still in good health, we often traveled there together. Scuba diving is one of my hobbies, so I have also had the opportunity to dive in many different places there.

I love Okinawan food as well. When Diet members elected from Okinawa return home on weekends, they sometimes bring back some of my favorite sweets for me.

I am sure that you will learn a great deal through your reporting activities on this occasion. I hope you will broaden your horizons and, moreover, rediscover the traditions and culture of Okinawa that you yourselves know better than anyone. I hope you will come to appreciate anew just how much Okinawa has to offer and, if you can, share its many attractions with people throughout Japan and around the world. Okinawa has tremendous potential.

Unlike me, you are young enough that, if you take good care of yourselves and stay safe from accidents, you may well live to see the 22nd century. So I hope you will keep that firmly in mind and set your sights on building a wonderful 22nd century. Looking ahead to the next era, I want you to have the determination that it is you yourselves who will forge the future of Japan and the future of Okinawa. I very much look forward to seeing each and every one of you make the most of your abilities and play an active role in shaping that future.

You have my wholehearted support. Thank you very much.