A50 PROJECT REPORT / A50 Committee Mail


EXCERPTS OF SPEECHES DELIEVERED AT A50 TOKYO CEREMONY
Ambassador Yoshio Okawara
Chairman, A50 Executive Committee

 "Japan was readmitted to international community with the strong support of the United States --- exactly 50 years ago on September 8. We committed our efforts and resources for the reconstruction of the country, the accomplishment of which was admired by many nations in the world. However, this was not done by Japan alone. One should not forget the valuable assistance and support from the United States during those times, for example memberships of such international organizations as IMF, GATT, World Bank and the United Nations. The A50 initiative is to express the sincere appreciation of the Japanese people to the people of America for their unprecedented treatment of the vanquished by the victors. This A50 initiative is funded totally privately by individuals and corporations."


 The Hon. Junichiro Koizumi
Prime Minister of Japan

 "Japan and the Japanese people at the end of the war were at a survival level stage, and were also dealing with the shock of their defeat. Given these conditions, the tremendous assistance from the United States, including the provision for basic human needs such as food, enabled Japan to recover. There were many Japanese youth educated in the United States under scholarship programs who have become leaders in our society. Needless to say, this accomplishment is also the result of the diligence and hard work of the Japanese people. Our Prime Minister Yoshida, who signed the San Francisco Peace Treaty, said that it is important that the Japanese should explicitly express their appreciation for the assistance received from America. Thus, I believe this A50 initiative is vitally significant."


 Mr. Kazuo Inamori
Honorary Chairman, Kyocera Corporation;
Representing A50 Endorsers

 "American's benevolent Occupation Policy and generous support, begun in 1946, enabled Japan's economic recovery much more quickly. Japanese corporations received assistance in developing technologies and were provided a huge free market in America. My corporation, Kyocera, was a beneficiary of such generosity. The public in those days had great fear that the American soldiers would retaliate. On the contrary, they supplied food to the hungry, medical care to the injured and clothing to the needy. I was in junior high school then and felt that we should thank America for this act of humane treatment.
   I feel that being grateful, being humble and having mutual trust are basic elements in harmonious international relations. In this regard, I personally feel that this A50 event by the people of Japan that is taking place on this occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty is most meaningful and significant. I am hopeful that this A50 initiative will further promote the most important bi-lateral relationship in the world into one even deeper and more splendid."


 The Hon. Dan Quayle
Former Vice President of the United States of America

 "It is certainly my honor to be here and to represent the United States of America today. I spoke with President George W. Bush before I left and he wanted me to personally convey his appreciation for what you've just done. He says that from his heart and he also wanted me to extend his deep respect for your Prime Minister who he has a very close, working relationship with.
   It was my honor as Vice President in 1992 to travel to Japan to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa. It was an important ceremony and one that I will always remember. Today is another event that I will always remember, and that is the celebration of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. The A50 group has done such a wonderful job in bringing us all together here today. What you have just done in paying tribute for the generous assistance from the United States of America and, most importantly, the American people is quite significant. I thank you for those words, I thank you for the recognition, I thank you for the respect that you have shown. But let me also recognize that the true success of Japan goes to the people of Japan. Today, unlike in 1951, you are a full and equal partner with the United States of America.
   The San Francisco Peace Treaty clearly has been a solid foundation for the success that you, the people of Japan, have achieved. As we look forward to the next 50 years, there will be new challenges and wonderful new opportunities. The U.S.-Japan Security Alliance will continue to be the foundation for economic growth, political stability and a more peaceful Asia. The heritage of the San Francisco Peace Treaty is that Japan has become a full and equal partner with the United States in the pursuit of peace. As partners, we acknowledge that we don't always have the same views, we don't always have the same policy instruments to use when dealing with challenges, but as partners, when the going gets tough, the United States and Japan will stand shoulder to shoulder. I have great hope and great expectation for our two countries in this next century. With Japan and the United States working side-by-side, our dreams of peace and prosperity will not just be dreams, but real life ventures for our families."


 Mr. Hirotsugu Iikubo
Chairman, A50 Steering Committee

 "I'd like to quote here a portion of General MacArthur's speech given on September 2, 1945 on the U.S.S. Missouri at the ceremony for the signing of Japan's surrender.
`We are gathered here, representatives of the major warring powers, to conclude a solemn agreement whereby peace may be restored. The issues, involving divergent ideals and ideologies, have been determined on the battlefields of the world ... it [is not] for us here to meet, ... in a spirit of distrust, malice, or hatred. But rather it is for us, both victors and vanquished, to rise to that higher dignity which alone benefits the sacred purposes we are about to serve ... . from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past ... a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish --- for freedom, tolerance, and justice. '
In order to restore the dignity of Japan, it is natural for the indebted to say thank you, as in the Chinese proverb which says `A person who has provided lasting benefit should not be forgotten.'"


 Other Contributors

·Seiji Ozawa  contributed his musical message for this event and for the A50 Caravan through his video musical message of appreciation and friendship.

 ·Sadao Watanabe , a world famous saxophonist, and his friends gave a special jazz concert to express appreciation to America.

 ·At the reception , popular American music was provided by the A50 Commemorative Woodwind Orchestra . This orchestra also played the national anthems of both countries at the beginning of the A50 Ceremony.

 ·The All Japan Bonsai Association , headed by Saburo Kato , provided an 800-year old and a 500-year old bonsai to grace the stage at the Ceremony.


Opening remarks by Yoshio Okawara, Chairman of the A50 Excutive Committe

Greeting formar Vice President Dan Quayle


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