[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Russian Seasons Opening Ceremony held in Tokyo.
The Prime Minister said in his address,

"I wish to extend my heartfelt welcome to Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets and everyone else in attendance at this Russian Seasons Opening Ceremony. It is now possible to see Giselle performed by Ms. Svetlana Zakharova and Mr. Denis Rodkin of the Bolshoi Theatre here in Tokyo. This dream come true is taking place here, tonight.

It has been made possible by Russia, which, under the auspices of President Vladimir Putin, decided to implement the Russian Seasons program, through which it will host cultural events around the world, and selected Japan as the first country to host the program.
I welcome President Putin's desire to further promote cultural exchanges with Japan. I, too, intend to promote and place importance on cultural and human exchanges between Japan and Russia.

I am sure that there are many aspects of Russian culture that appeal to the sensibilities of Japanese people. For instance, there are many Japanese people who dearly love Russian works of literature and music.

Next year, we will hold a 'Russia Year in Japan' and 'Japan Year in Russia,' to introduce the cultures of our countries to each other. It is my hope that such cultural exchanges, which have been propelled forward by the Russian Seasons program, will further flourish.

I hope that you will all join me in enjoying Giselle, as performed by Ms. Zakharova and Mr. Rodkin of the world-class Bolshoi Theatre, to your heart's content. Thank you."