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The Prime Minister in Action
Courtesy Call from the Japanese American Leadership Delegation
March 5, 2018
Photograph of the Prime Minister receiving the courtesy call (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister receiving the courtesy call (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister receiving the courtesy call (3)
[Provisional Translation]
On March 5, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from the Japanese American Leadership Delegation at the Prime Minister's Office.
The Prime Minister said in his address,
“Welcome to the Prime Minister’s Office. I am delighted to welcome all of you who are active as leaders in a variety of fields all over the United States. I would like to again express my gratitude to Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye, President of the U.S.-Japan Council, for her constant hard work for the strengthening of relations between Japanese-Americans and Japan.
I would like to apologize for starting this meeting a little late. Punctuality is one of the virtues of Japanese people. Unfortunately, deliberations in the Diet are not punctual. I arrived at the Diet this morning at 9 a.m. We were scheduled to end at 5 p.m., but unfortunately it lasted about 30 minutes longer. This is one part of democracy, so I hope you will forgive me.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the arrival in Hawaii of the first organized group of Japanese immigrants. Japanese-Americans have overcome many obstacles and earned trust and respect in the United States, which is the foundation of our robust Japan-U.S. Alliance.
During your last visit, I requested that you absolutely pay a visit to my home prefecture of Yamaguchi. I am delighted to see how quickly that request has been realized. I have heard your visit will include one to Shoin Jinja Shrine in Hagi City. This year is the 150th anniversary of the start of the Meiji period. Hagi City is the place where the Meiji Restoration started, and I hope that you will feel that spirit for yourself. Many people from Suo-oshima Town immigrated to Hawaii, including one of my relatives. Actually, in the summer in this Oshima Town, everyone in the town government and town council wears Hawaiian shirts. It is a place where the charms of old Japan remain. I hope that this trip will truly bring you closer to Japan, and that you will all continue to be tremendously active as bridges between Japan and Hawaii, and Japan and the United States. Thank you.”
