Remarks by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Virtual belated commemoration of the International Day of Vesak 2020

Excellencies,
Dear colleagues,
 
Happy Vesak Day. It is a great honour for me to speak on this occasion of the Vesak Day commemoration. I would like to thank the PR of Thailand and the PR of Sri Lanka for organizing this event.
 
In Japan, Buddhist temples all over the country hold “Flower Festivals” on April 8th to celebrate the birth of the Buddha. This year also, a number of temples celebrated it virtually. The first “Flower Festival” in Japan is said to have been held in the year 606, following the introduction of Buddhism to Japan in the mid sixth century.
 
Celebrating the Day of Vesak reminds us of the Buddhist teachings and its spirit, including tolerance, harmony and compassion, which also illuminate our path towards resolving issues in the international community.
 
Currently, the COVID-19 is causing a serious human security crisis, spreading across borders, striking the most vulnerable segments of society and threatening their survival, livelihood and dignity. We also continue to see the spread of violent extremism and conflict, hate speeches, intolerance and lack of mutual respect, all of which exacerbate people’s suffering. Japan believes the United Nations can and should play an important role to alleviate such distress and bring peace of mind to people.
 
To conclude, I would like to offer my best wishes to those celebrating the Day of Vesak, and express my sincerest hope that Buddhism inspires our efforts to overcome the hardship caused by the COVID-19 with its teachings which foster peace and mutual respect in the heart of every person.
 
Thank you.