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[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the 23rd World Scout Jamboree (23WSJ) held in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

The Prime Minister gave an address in English, in which he said the following,

Good evening,
Scouts and Scouters! 
Welcome to Japan!

It has been seven years since Japan was chosen to host the 23rd World Scout Jamboree. 
We have been looking forward to your visit ever since.

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome so many young people from as many as
150 regions and countries from every continent in the world here to my home prefecture, Yamaguchi. 

I hope that while you are here you enjoy the wonderful natural environment and the rich culture of Yamaguchi and of Japan.

Over its 100-year history, Scouting has developed immensely all around the world.  We also have many young people active in Scouting here in Japan.

I see Scouting as a truly valuable activity that helps young people acquire
self-reliance, a spirit of cooperation, and leadership skills as they work towards common goals with other young people of different ages in the great outdoors.

This World Scout Jamboree is the highlight of Scouting.

During your stay here, you will enjoy not only outdoor pursuits
but also chances to learn about traditional Japanese culture. 

I am sure that this Jamboree will be an experience that you will remember
for the rest of your life.

Sir Robert Baden-Powell,
the founder of the Scout Movement, told the Scouts during the 5th World Scout Jamboree - his own final Jamboree:

“Ultimately, the main objective of the Jamboree is to make as many friends as possible from countries other than your own.”

In this Jamboree, I want you all to have a magnificent time.
I want you to have encounters with many fellow Scouts and Scouters, foster friendships, benefit from new experiences, and make exciting discoveries.

I trust your activities here in Yamaguchi will lead to significant personal growth for each of you and will help you along the path to achieving your dreams for the future back in your own region or country.

Thank you and have a wonderful time!