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On March 27, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call at the Prime Minister’s Office from representatives of the Boy Scouts, who received the FY2017 Fuji Award.
 
The Prime Minister said in his words of encouragement,
 
“Congratulations to all the recipients of the Fuji Award. The activities of the Boy Scouts are wonderful programs that place great importance on self-motivated efforts, and nurture the ability to think things through and a spirit of perseverance. You have all received the award of the highest order for such activities, and are truly role models for your juniors. I hope that this award will encourage you to keep up your unflagging efforts.  
 
Boy Scouts around the world interact with one another. I hope that you will cooperate and collaborate with young people around the world on activities that transcend national boundaries, and, by helping one another, foster deep friendships with them. It is also my hope that you will create an international network through such exchanges.
 
The World Scout Jamboree was held in my hometown of Yamaguchi Prefecture three years ago, and I was told that the networks established during the course of the event are still cherished there even today. That event also left another important legacy, by raising young people who can play an active part on a global scale in this global age. I believe this legacy is still cherished today.
 
I expect the upcoming 17th Japan Scout Jamboree to provide an opportunity for everyone to take on even more active roles. It is you, the young people of Japan, who will shape the future of our country. The future is certainly not immutable. Rather, it will be shaped by your efforts and your readiness to take on challenges.
 
In closing, I hope that you will take pride in being a recipient of this award, work even harder, and achieve great things. Congratulations to you all.”