(THIS IS A PROVISIONAL TRANSLATION AND CERTAIN TERMS AND PHRASES MAY BE CHANGED AT A LATER DATE)

In Recognition of the Heroic Humanitarian Rescue Efforts
at East Japan Railway Shin-Okubo Station

31 January 2001



On 26 January a man fell from the platform of East Japan Railway Shin-Okubo Station on the Yamanote Line. Seeing this, two men, Lee Su Hyon, a student from the Republic of Korea, and Shiro Sekine, a Japanese professional photographer descended from the platform onto the train tracks in an effort to rescue the fallen man. Tragically they were struck by a train and killed.

On 29 January Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori decided to dispatch a testimonial praising the courageous acts of both men and expressing condolences on the bereaved families of both men. Furthermore, Prime Minister Mori attended the funeral ceremonies of Lee Su Hyon on 29 January.

During the night of 29 January Prime Minister Mori sent the following message to President Kim Dae Jung of the Republic of Korea.

Message:

Yesterday upon returning from Davos I learned of the loss of the precious life of a young man from the Republic of Korea who tried to rescue a Japanese person. I share a profound sadness with all of the people of Japan, and indeed with Your Excellency and all of the people of the Republic of Korea. A little while ago I attended the funeral ceremonies of the late Lee Su Hyon, where I spoke directly to his parents to convey my heartfelt condolences and gratitude and to express me sympathy for their loss.

All of the people of Japan were greatly moved by Lee Su Hyonfs heroic and noble deed. I pray that Lee, who will remain in our hearts as a bridge linking Japan and the Republic of Korea, will rest in peace. I honor his great courage and extend my boundless respect for him to his bereaved family and to all of the people of the Republic of Korea.