Message from Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister of Japan

     I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to the organizers, supporters and participants of the “Inamori Art Project Performance – Messages for World Peace from Hiroshima and Nagasaki” held in New York.

     It is truly meaningful that, through two days of performance, message aspiring to world peace will be delivered to and shared with the audience after looking back at the horror of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki - the tragedy etched in human history. The United Nations with its headquarters in New York plays an important role in realizing world peace and prosperity as the only universal and comprehensive organization each member can count on.

     As the only country that have experienced the horror of nuclear devastation during World War II, Japan will continue its contribution to the activities of the United Nations for world peace and prosperity to realize "a world without nuclear weapons" in close coordination with the international community.

     World peace and prosperity cannot be achieved only by the efforts of governments. Efforts of civil society including today’s participants are equally important. It is essential for all stakeholders such as governments and civil societies to join forces to stride toward common goal of global peace and prosperity.

     Japan has a great responsibility to pass on the tragic memories of nuclear devastation to the next generation. Our heart also goes to those suffering from ongoing catastrophes such as conflicts, disasters, and poverty. We must be united to relieve those people from the sufferings as soon as possible and bring peaceful lives to them. I hope that this performance will serve as an opportunity for people of the world to unite their hearts.

     Lastly, let me conclude the message by paying my deepest respect for the efforts by those who have rendered valuable support to organize the event, and wishing it a great success.