[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe unveiled the official logo for the G7 Japan 2016 Ise-Shima Summit, and an award ceremony was held at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“The Ise-Shima Summit will be held next May, exactly 150 days from today. I intend to make this an opportunity to share with the world the appeal of Japan’s ‘furusato,’ or heartland - a place dear to many, away from bustling cities.

We received many submissions for the design of the logo that will become the symbol of the Summit. I am happy that young people gave serious thought to the appeals of Japan that they wished to showcase to the world.

I had a difficult time choosing from all of the outstanding works. However, from among them, I believe that the work by Ms. Shiho Utsumiya from Oita Prefecture Turusaki Kougyou High School is a well-balanced design, combining the Japanese flag, cherry blossom petals, and the blue sea in the background, and expresses Japan’s natural beauty in a simple manner.

The panel of judges took valuable time out of their schedules to screen the submissions, with much dedication. The members included Mr. Atsuya Kondo, whose own work was selected as the most outstanding logo design for the Hokkaido Toyako Summit, and who was inspired by his selection to pursue a career as a designer. I am truly pleased that we were able to decide on a wonderful logo. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you as well.

At next year’s Summit, I look forward to engaging in lively discussions for achieving the peace and prosperity of Japan and the international community with world leaders as they gaze across the vast sea of Shima, which is also represented in this logo. We adults have a responsibility to create a society that ensures that the beautiful nature and traditions of ‘furusato’ are passed onto future generations, in cooperation with the other countries of the world. This issue, however, is also one that involves the young people on whom rest the future of Japan. I hope that you yourselves will become messengers of the magnificence of Japan that you considered in creating your designs, and that you will carry that message on into the future.

But first, let us all work together to organize and host a successful Ise-Shima Summit next year. I thank you for your wonderful submissions. Congratulations.”