National Foundation Day is a public holiday for the purpose of “recalling the founding of the nation and cultivating a mindset of love of the nation.” It is a national holiday on which each Japanese person thinks about the efforts made by our forebears from ages past in bringing the country to where it is today, and renews his or her hopes for the further development of the nation.

Japan is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty that can be enjoyed every season. Throughout its long history, Japan has fostered a unique culture and distinctive traditions to be proud of around the world. We have placed value on the kizuna (bonds) people share with one another, and we have built the society of today by joining hands to help each other as families or local communities. Through wisdom and ingenuity, Japan has faced nature and maintained harmony with it, and simultaneously, contributed significantly to human activities in a variety of areas, including the advancement of science and technology.

Throughout our long history, Japan has countless times faced great difficulties and severe trials, but each time, our ancestors brought themselves to their feet full of courage and hope, building the peaceful and prosperous nation of the current day through each individual’s unceasing efforts, and cultivating a national character that protects freedom and democracy, respects human rights, and upholds the rule of law. The advances Japan enjoys today lie atop the foundation of those untiring efforts.

Japan is now in the midst of a national crisis in its battle against the novel coronavirus. Reflecting on the significance of the footprints left by our ancestors and working in close cooperation with the international community, we will, together with the citizens, overcome this difficult situation to build a new post-coronavirus society.

Keeping a close eye on what is the common sense held by the citizens, we will be resolute in taking on even difficult challenges and prevail over them, defend the lives and livelihoods of the people, and bring about a society that affords an abundance of peace of mind and hope. As we commemorate National Foundation Day, I renew my determination in this regard.

I sincerely hope that for you, my fellow citizens, National Foundation Day will be an opportunity to appreciate the efforts made by people who went before us as you look back on the path Japan has taken until now, as well as an opportunity to aspire to pursue further prosperity for Japan.