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What's up around the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Visits Kyoto Prefecture and Attends the World Assembly of the World Conference of Religions for Peace


Friday, August 25 to Saturday, August 26, 2006
Photograph of Prime Minister observing Raigo-In, a small annex temple of Sennyuji Temple Photograph of Prime Minister observing a fane of Yang Gui-Fei made in the image of Avalokitesvara
Photograph of Prime Minister observing a fane of Yang Gui-Fei made in the image of Avalokitesvara Photograph of Prime Minister delivering a speech at the World Assembly of the World Conference of Religions for Peace


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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi made a two-day trip to Kyoto Prefecture from August 25 to August 26.

After arriving in Kyoto City on the evening of August 25, Prime Minister Koizumi visited Raigo-In, a small annex temple of Sennyuji Temple that lies at the foot of the Higashiyama mountain range. Sennyuji also houses Gansui-Ken, a teahouse that was built by Oishi Kuranosuke, the leader of a legendary raid by the Akou Roushi in the 18th century. Oishi is said to have stayed in the teahouse, secretly holding talks for the coup that was carried out by 47 samurais to honor their lord. The teahouse faces Gansui-Tei, a quiet garden that still maintains the vestiges of the old days. After touring these sites, Prime Minister Koizumi observed a fane that houses a sculpture of Yang Gui-Fei made in the image of Avalokitesvara. Yang Gui-Fei was an ancient Chinese empress during the Tang dynasty famed for her beauty.

On the next day of August 26, Prime Minister Koizumi attended the 8th World Assembly of the World Conference of Religions for Peace held at the Kyoto International Conference Hall. Following the opening performance with peace messages by children and a demonstration of calligraphy, Prime Minister Koizumi delivered a congratulatory address as a guest speaker. He said, "On the present occasion of this gathering in Kyoto of the World Conference of Religions for Peace, which plays an active role in bringing people together beyond religious and sectarian boundaries in the interests of world peace, I would like to express my sincere hope that you will continue to exercise your leadership in the cause of tackling global challenges such as settling conflicts, alleviating poverty, and protecting the global environment."

Related link: Remarks to the World Conference of Religions for Peace