Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Commemorative Ceremony for the 120th Anniversary of Fire Companies and the 65th Anniversary of the Firefighting and Disaster Management System under Local Governments held in Tokyo in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

After presenting the Prime Minister's Commendation, the Prime Minister said in his congratulatory address,

"I am very happy to see that the Commemorative Ceremony for the 120th Anniversary of Fire Companies and the 65th Anniversary of the Firefighting and Disaster Management System under Local Governments is being held on such a magnificent scale in the gracious presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
This year is a milestone year marking the 120th anniversary of the founding of fire companies and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the firefighting and disaster management system under local governments. During this period, Japan's firefighting service has evolved steadily and contributed significantly to ensuring the security and safety of the people. This is entirely the result of many of your predecessors' unfettered passion towards firefighting, and the remarkable achievements they have made in the face of numerous disasters, and I would like to express my sincere respect to them.
At the same time, I would like to extend my appreciation and heartfelt congratulations to those of you who are receiving the Commendation for the immense contributions you have long made to firefighting activities, and to the members of firefighting organizations who are receiving the Commendation for their distinguished service in ensuring the safety of residents in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, in saving lives, and more.
This year, there was a spate of damages wreaked by the unprecedented heavy rainfall, which lashed various areas in Japan. The natural conditions of Japan make the country prone to disasters, such as earthquakes, typhoons, and heavy rains. Many precious lives and invaluable property have been lost as a result of such disasters.
Moreover, there are concerns about the possibility of large-scale earthquakes occurring, such as the massive earthquake in the Nankai Trough and the metropolitan earthquake. Against this backdrop, when a disaster strikes, you are the first to rush to the scene, and you carry out selfless acts even if they may put yourselves in danger. The people of Japan place significant trust and have high hopes in your distinguished service. In preparation for large-scale disasters, the Government will continue to work towards the creation of a resilient nation and protect the safety of the people by implementing thorough disaster management and damage minimization measures.
I would like to conclude my congratulatory remarks by expressing my hope for the continued further success of those of you in attendance, as well as other members of the firefighting service. Thank you very much."