Hello, everyone.  I am Prime Minister ABE Shinzo.

I am truly pleased to commemorate Marine Day 2020.

For Japan, a country that relies on overseas nations for a great deal of our energy and other resources, maritime trade is essential. Furthermore, in Japan, where we enjoy abundant fishery resources, we derive many kinds of blessings from the sea.

Our daily lives are made possible thanks to those doing their very best in their workplaces, including in marine transport and fisheries, even in the midst of the novel coronavirus disease.

Japan is surrounded by the sea and enjoys one of the world’s leading vast maritime jurisdictions. In order to protect the sea, cooperation with other countries is also critical.  We will engage in comprehensive maritime security, which ensures free, open, and safe seas.

Above the sea the winds blow powerfully, while at the ocean floor, minerals and other resources are found in abundance. We intend to further draw out the sea’s potential by providing support for the development of revolutionary technologies and innovations and advancing the creation of new industries including offshore wind power.

Protecting our bountiful seas and handing them down to future generations is a major responsibility of our generation that lives today.

As for marine plastic litter, an issue becoming increasingly severe, we will expand measures to be taken by the entire world under the “Osaka Blue Ocean Vision,” which aims to reduce additional pollution by marine plastic litter to zero by 2050.  As one of the world’s leading maritime nations, Japan is determined to demonstrate leadership towards resolving this critical global issue.

I wish to end this message for Marine Day 2020 by expressing once again my appreciation for the benefits we receive from the sea and a wish for the maritime nation of Japan as well as the world to enjoy ever-greater peace and prosperity.

Thank you very much.