I am truly delighted at the inscription on the World Natural Heritage List of Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, the northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island.
 
It has been 18 years since the area was nominated for inscription, and a great many people have eagerly awaited this outcome. It is truly a cause for celebration.
 
I deeply appreciate the great efforts made by so many, notably by Kagoshima and Okinawa Prefectures, the local municipalities, experts, and relevant organizations. I also express my sincere respect for the island residents who have conserved and fostered the precious natural environment.
 
On these islands, a diversity of endemic species not found in any other region on earth, along with creatures in danger of extinction, continue to exist even now.
 
The small-eared Amami rabbit is a primitive species similar to the common rabbit; the Okinawa rail is Japan’s only non-flying wild bird. Many distinctive living creatures inhabiting only this region can be seen not only in primitive natural surroundings but also in the gardens of people’s homes and elsewhere right alongside human beings going about their daily lives.
 
Together with all those involved in the area’s conservation, we will continue to comprehensively protect and pass down to the next generation these precious environments in which we can take pride internationally, and we will promote the appeal of this area to the world.