Japan-United States of America Relations

On December 6, commencing at 5:45 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, five family members of former prisoners of war (POWs) and four caregivers paid a courtesy call on Mr. Motome Takisawa, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, during their visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese/POW Friendship Program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Afterwards, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takisawa hosted a reception to welcome the delegation. The overview is as follows.

1. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takisawa welcomed the delegation to Japan and expressed his hope that the delegation's visit to Japan would encourage further reconciliation of minds between Japan and the United States.
2. Following this, on behalf of the delegation, Ms. Kristin Dahlstrom stated the significance of inviting the delegation to Japan for the families of POWs and for future generations, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit Japan on this occasion.
3. In addition, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takisawa stated that the visit to Hiroshima by the Honorable Barack H. Obama, President of the United States of America, in May this year and the visit to Pearl Harbor by Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, at the end of this month demonstrate both countries' resolve towards achieving a future in which war is never again repeated, and was sure that these would serve as opportunities to promote the value of Japan-US reconciliation. The courtesy call took place in a warm atmosphere.
4. At the reception, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takisawa gave remarks, welcoming the delegation to Japan and expressing his intention to foster Japan-US relations that are based on even deeper understanding and trust. The reception was held in a congenial atmosphere.