[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a congratulatory telephone call to Kitasato University Professor Emeritus Satoshi Omura, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine .

During his congratulatory remarks, the Prime Minister said,

“I want to truly congratulate you for being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

I am truly proud as a Japanese citizen that the infectious disease drug created based on your research is saving the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world.

I hear that you would rather the Nobel Prize have been given to microorganisms, than to yourself.

The way in which you earned this Nobel Prize by progressing with passion and commitment , and continuing to produce results through many years of research, is something that I think has truly given great courage to the next generation of Japanese researchers.

You have spoken to the effect that microorganisms still hold great potential. Infectious diseases are a tremendous threat to humanity. At the United Nations, there has been discussion about bringing the world together to fight against such infectious diseases. I am pleased that, through the fruits of your research, Japan can make a contribution on this major global issue.

Please take good care of your health, and continue your research activities further.

Again, my sincere congratulations.”