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On October 30, 2017, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Nippon Foundation DIVERSITY IN THE ARTS “Museum of Together” Exhibition held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“Today, having visited this exhibition for the first time, I felt that art is truly an embodiment of diversity. A poet by the name of Misuzu Kaneko was from my hometown and she wrote a poem called “Everyone is different, everyone is wonderful.” I believe that the works of art displayed here today capture this idea of making the most of the people’s diversity and their individuality.


I first saw works involving animals that had been crafted from fallen leaves. The fact that such unique animals can be created from fallen leaves is truly remarkable. I also looked at the pictures by Ryunosuke. Even though he is still in his teens, his pictures somehow fill me with a great sense of nostalgia.

In addition, I saw some of the works created by artist Shingo. I hope he will enjoy great success in his newest artistic endeavors as well.

Looking ahead, Japan will host the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I would like all of the Japanese people to be able to show the world the wonders of Japan.

I hope that a great many people will come experience and enjoy these works of art created by people with disabilities.”