Consulate-General of Japan in Miami
在マイアミ日本国総領事館

On the Occasion of Japan Earthquake Relief Fundraiser Dinner

September 7, 2011, 7:30-9:30 PM
Marriott Doral Golf Resort & Spa
Palm South Room, 4400 NW 87th Avenue, Doral

Good evening Honorable Juan Carlos Bermudez, Mayor of City of Doral,
Distinguished members of the International Business Development Advisory Board,
Friends and Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you, Mr. David Woodward for your wonderful arrangement.　 Thank you, Ms. Shannon Hori for volunteering your time and talents to serve as Matron of Ceremony for this event.

As some of you already heard during the Japanese Panel meeting today, we are very grateful to the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Forces for the swift search and rescue operations they initiated immediately after the earthquake and tsunami on March 11.  Thank you very much for standing with us in a most difficult moment. The Japanese people will never forget it.

I would like to mention briefly a couple of important things.

First of all, Japan will pass from being No. 2 to being No. 3 in GDP; nonetheless, it will remain No. 2 in Foreign Direct Investment to USA, international patent applications and funding for research and development.  Also, Japan will remain as No. 2 in the economic reconstruction of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Palestine.  Japan will also remain No. 2 in United Nations contribution.  But we are not only the No. 2; we are No. 1 in energy efficiency among major countries and No.1 in High Speed Rail transportation.
I also would like to point out that more than 80% of Japanese supply chain already back to normal.. Some of the supplies are already exceeding the levels of pre March 11. Within this year, Japanese supply chain will fully recover.

Secondly, although the natural disaster of March 11 was huge, it did not change Japan fundamentally. We are committed to enhancing democracy, freedom of speech and expression, and human rights. We will always be on your side to explore the future.  Japan is and will remain open for business and travel.  All of Japan is not covered by debris and mud as many may still think after shocking media reports.  
If you are visiting Japan this year, you are supporting us. Last year 727 thousands Americans visited Japan. By the number of visitors, The United States is the fourth largest country of origin for tourists who visit Japan.   You can enjoy Japan and visit spots of ancient culture and taste Japanese food at many Michelin 3-star restaurants in Japan.  It might be a bit of surprise for French people to realize that Japan has as many as 26 Michelin 3-star restaurants in Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto, according to the recent Michelin Guide of 2010.  I am sure Japan has got more potential Michelin 3-stars restaurants, since Michelin research apparently focused on ancient and present capitals region in Japan. You can also enjoy purchasing the many well- known Japanese brands, just as you used to do before the March 11.

Let me touch on the cultural and human exchange .

We are increasing cultural and human exchanges this year.  Japan started a training program for Japanese teachers of English language, who come to train in the USA.  We have also started new high school student exchange programs this year.  And the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, commonly referred to as JET, has received in Japan more than 27 thousands young American college graduates in the last 25 years, and the program continues as very popular exchange program among US university graduates.

Lastly, we are looking forward to the centennial celebration in commemoration of the gift of the cherry-blossom trees to Washington, D.C. by Japan.  Next spring, we are planning to have a celebration here in Florida too!

I thank for your kind attention.