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

Remarks by the Consul General of Japan in Miami Eiichi Kawahara
At Reception Honoring the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
At the Official Residence of the Consulate General of Japan in Miami
December 1, 2011

Distinguished Guests, Friends and Colleagues,
Welcome to our reception.

His Majesty Emperor Akihito was born on December 23rd, 1933. His Majesty will be 78 years old this year.  Her Majesty Empress turned 77 on October 20th.

This year on March 11, Northeastern Japan was struck by the most powerful Earthquake and Tsunami in the history of Japan.

All Japanese, especially the victims, were deeply touched by the unusual video message from the Emperor on March 16th, in which after referring to the many messages received from heads of states and the thoughtfulness of many people around the world, His majesty conveyed the Japanese the following, which I quote in English translation:

“I would like to let you know how deeply touched I am by the courage of those victims who have survived this catastrophe and who, by bracing themselves, are demonstrating their determination to live on”

I also quote:
“I believe it extremely important for us all to share with the victims as much as possible, in whatever way we can, their hardship in the coming days. It is my sincere hope that those who have been affected by the disaster will never give up hope, and take good care of themselves as they live through the days ahead, and that each and every Japanese will continue to care for the afflicted areas, and the people for years to come and, together with the afflicted, watch over and support their path to recovery.”
End-of-quotes.

Right after March 11, more than 20 thousand U.S. Forces deployed rapidly to conduct joint rescue operations with Japanese Self Defense Forces.  “Operation Friend” or “Tomodachi Sakusen” was carried over for more than a month. Victims and all of Japan are very grateful for the solidarity and support extended by the United States government and its citizens.

皆様、ようこそおいで下さいました。
陛下は今年78歳におなりです。また、皇后様は10月で77歳におなりです。
さて、今年3月11日には、東日本大震災・津波があり、甚大な被害受けました。3月16日、陛下から国民に向けた特別ビデオメッセージは、日本国民を勇気づけ、心に浸みわたるものでありました。宮内庁ＨＰにあるお言葉の英語版後段部分を御披露させて頂きました。
自衛隊と共に約2万人の米軍が救援活動に共同して従事し、友達作戦は1月以上にわたって続けられました。日本に対する米国政府・米国市民による連帯と支援には、大変に感謝をしております。

In less than a month, most of the public infrastructure at the devastated areas was back to normal. Now, there are many towns and cities that are being rebuilt in future oriented way; Japan welcomes foreign companies to take part in the reconstruction business.

Japan has many historical sites that are registered with UNESCO as international heritage. But besides these sites, Japan has a rich and vast history and culture.  You can continue to enjoy Japan as a tourist destination.  By visiting Japan, you are supporting Japan in its road to recovery.

In the Spring of 2012, we are also looking forward to a most beautiful centennial celebration; it is to commemorate the gift of three thousand cherry trees by Tokyo to Washington, DC.  Washington and other states will have a grand celebration.  We are planning to also have a celebration in Northern Florida!  I hope you can join us!

その後、被災地域のインフラ復旧等は、迅速に行われました。これから始まる被災地の復興事業については、世界に開かれています。
さて、
日本は数多くの世界歴史遺産（ユネスコ）があり、そして、歴史・文化が豊かなところです。日本の観光地は全く問題がありません。
この機会に日本を訪問して頂くことは、日本への支援ともなります。

来春、日本からワシントンＤＣへの桜寄贈１００年を迎え、全米各地で桜植樹と関連行事が実施される予定です。フロリダでも皆様のご支援を得て北部フロリダで植樹等を実施予定です。
今日は、日本のシェフが手間を惜しまず作りました料理と東北から取り寄せましたお酒を用意しております。お楽しみ下さい。

Last but not least, my Japanese chef offers you best of his recipes today.  I wish you all to enjoy our food as well as the Japanese rice wines.  Thank you