On the evening of May 31, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe co-hosted a welcome reception in Yokohama with Ms. Fumiko Hayashi, Mayor of Yokohama City, inviting representatives of the countries and organizations participating in the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V).

The Prime Minister said in his address,

"I would like to sincerely welcome everyone who is participating in the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V). Thank you for coming all the way to Japan from the dynamic African continent. 
This place, Yokohama, was the venue of the very successful Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV), which was held five years ago. It is a great pleasure to be able to once again hold TICAD in Yokohama, which has a history and nature of being open to the world. Beginning with Mayor Fumiko Hayashi, I would like to thank the people of Yokohama. 
I personally felt the firm solidarity that connects Africa and Japan in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake two years ago. The Japanese people were deeply moved by the encouragement and support from our African friends. Once again, I would like to express my profound gratitude to the people of Africa for their support and sympathy.
Thanks to the courage and inspiration received from our African friends, the disaster area is taking firm steps towards reconstruction. On my part, I am making every effort to speed up the reconstruction through the revitalization of the whole Japanese economy.
The theme of TICAD V is 'Hand in Hand with a More Dynamic Africa.' Taking this opportunity of TICAD V, I am determined to engage in the plenary session from tomorrow with the best of intentions, in order to add new dynamism to Africa and the Japanese economy.
Today, I am joined by many friends who cherish Africa. With expectations that the plenary session from tomorrow will be successful, I hope everyone will enjoy pleasant conversations as time permits.
After this, we will conduct Japan's traditional "sake barrel opening" for celebrations. Opening a sake barrel signifies expectations of everlasting harmony. Through TICAD V, I hope to take this opportunity to expand the circle of friendship with everyone for many years to come. Thank you very much."