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On September 12, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the 38th Memorial Service for Firefighters Who Lost Their Lives on Duty held in Tokyo.
 
The Memorial Service aims to honor the achievements of firefighters and those who suffered hardships while cooperating in firefighting activities, who unfortunately lost their lives on duty, and to show deep respect and appreciation for their souls. It has been held annually since 1982 and this year marks the 38th memorial service.
 
The Prime Minister offered a silent prayer and delivered a memorial address, and then offered flowers.
 
The Prime Minister said in his memorial address,
 
"On the occasion of the 38th Memorial Service for Firefighters Who Lost Their Lives on Duty, I relevantly offer my words of condolence.
 
I once again pray for the repose of the souls of the five firefighting personnel who are newly enshrined.
 
With your strong determination and commitment to protect the lives of the members of your communities through firefighting activities at the scenes of fires or rescue activities at the sites of traffic accidents, you lost your lives in fulfilling your mission.
 
I express my sincere respect and appreciation for your strong sense of mission and courage demonstrated firsthand.
 
My heart is filled with an immense grief when I think of the sorrow of those who have lost their beloved family members, and I express my heartfelt sympathies for them.
 
Japan is surrounded by an environment where natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and torrential rains, occur frequently; we have lost many irreplaceable lives and precious assets to these disasters.
 
Amidst concerns of large-scale disasters such as a Tokyo Inland Earthquake or Nankai Trough Earthquake, the people have great trust and expectations to firefighters as they rush to the scenes of disasters, and risk their own lives to save the lives of others with great devotion.
 
In order not to waste the great sacrifice of the 5,762 souls who have been enshrined to date, and to respond to their wishes, we must make our utmost efforts to protect lives and make our country the safest in the world.
 
I wish to end my memorial address by once again praying for the repose of the souls and for the peace of mind of the bereaved family members.”