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On May 21, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Gathering of the Prime Minister and Individuals with Disabilities at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
Prime Minister Abe was welcomed with a performance by Zuiho Taiko (Japanese drums). The Prime Minister then saw the arts-related activities section and watched a performance of kyogen (traditional Japanese comic theater) in sign language. Afterwards, he visited the booths of the participating organizations and conversed with the participants.
 
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
 
“Thank you for welcoming me with a wonderful taiko (Japanese drums) performance.
 
Today, we extend a warm welcome to all of you, and thank you for joining us.
 
Unfortunately, today it was raining. It appears to be fine at this moment, as some say I attract good weather. While it is sunny right now, we were unable to prepare for this event outdoors and we are holding this event inside the building. Nevertheless, I have high hopes that we can make this a lively, enjoyable, and meaningful event, and I am looking forward to seeing your active participation.
 
This is the fourth time that we are holding this kind of event since 2016; it is the very first gathering since the beginning of the Reiwa era. Just as the plum blossoms announce the arrival of spring after the harsh cold of winter and bloom splendidly in all their glory, all Japanese will be able to make their own blossoms come into full bloom. We decided on ‘Reiwa’ with the hope that it will be just such an era. I have high hopes that you will spread confidence and courage throughout Japan, which will pave the way in a new era, with your daily activities and events like this.
 
Next year, we will host the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. I would like to make the Games an unforgettable one that will touch and inspire Japan, as well as the world.
 
I would like to work together with all of you to realize a society in which all citizens are dynamically engaged, where individuals with and without disabilities can play an active role not only in sports, but across a wide range of fields such as arts, culture, and agriculture. That is the future of Japan, isn’t it?
 
I am looking forward to talking with all of you and seeing your amazing works and performances.
 
In closing, I would like to express my deep gratitude once again to everyone for gathering at the Prime Minister’s Office today. Thank you.”
 
After attending the Gathering of the Prime Minister and Individuals with Disabilities, the Prime Minister said,
 
“Today, I had the opportunity to admire works and performances in the fields of arts and culture, created with the participants’ wonderful sensitivity and ability.
 
In the field of agriculture, I tasted food products made with painstaking effort, much attention paid to various aspects of the production process, such as the fertilizers used, a determination to make truly delicious, safe, and healthy food. Seeing all the fruits of your labor and hard work warms my heart. I also feel enriched.
 
It makes me feel even more strongly than before that we must realize a society in which these efforts and talents you show today are properly recognized, so as to create a society in which everyone has a chance to prove themselves and are dynamically engaged. 
 
The Government will work as one to ensure that all your efforts, your initiatives in the fields of arts and culture and those in agriculture and welfare collaboration, will be promoted nationwide.”