Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda received a courtesy call from a high school student orphaned by the tsunami and the Japan Women's Tohoku Youth Football Team at the Prime Minister's Official Residence.

After listening to the aspirations of the high school student orphaned by the tsunami and the players of the Japan Women's Tohoku Youth Football Team, the Prime Minister said in his address, "There are many children who lost their dearest parents and family members in an instant to the massive earthquake and tsunami in March of last year. It is heart wrenching to think about what they have gone through. And I believe they, who are in deep pain, cannot be allowed to give up their dreams for economic reasons. The society as a whole must send out a message to them that they are indeed not alone.
In this context, it is very encouraging that all of you in the same generation are standing up to take action. There is a book called  Daddy-Long-Legs. I believe you are all 'Mommy-Long-Legs.' I wish you all the best in bringing your visit to Brazil to a successful conclusion.
You have the support of not only the people in your generation, but also everyone at Ashinaga and the Japan Football Association. You also have the support of adults. And I believe it is the Government that must provide support most of all. To ensure that children do not give up their studies or give up their dreams for economic reasons, the Government has taken measures to expand scholarships and reduce or waive tuition fees, among other measures. The Government will also work to restore schools and offer psychological care.
I hope that your exchanges in Brazil will also give hope to the people in Brazil."