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Speeches and Statements by the Prime Minister

Remarks by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Behalf of the People of Japan, on the Occasion of the First Audience after the Accession to the Throne

May 1, 2019

[Provisional Translation]
 
I make these remarks with the greatest respect.
 
Your Majesty the Emperor succeeded to the Imperial throne today. The people of Japan come together in extending to Your Majesty their heartiest congratulations.
 
Just now, with wisdom and greatness, Your Majesty stated that Your Majesty will reflect deeply on the course followed by His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus, act in accordance with the Constitution, and fulfill Your Majesty’s responsibility as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people of Japan, and that Your Majesty will sincerely pray for the happiness of the people and the further development of the nation as well as the peace of the world.
 
Looking up to Your Majesty as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people, we are determined to create in the midst of a rapidly changing international situation a bright future for a Japan in which we take pride, a Japan that is peaceful and brimming with hope, and create an era of culture coming into being and flourishing when people bring their hearts and minds together in a beautiful manner.
 
I hereby pray for peace in the era of Reiwa and extend my best wishes for the Imperial Household to flourish further.

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