Message from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to President George W. Bush of the United States of America concerning the Space Shuttle Columbia Accident

February 1, 2003
Japanese

Dear Mr. President:

Upon hearing the news of the Space Shuttle Columbia accident, I was overwhelmed with deep grief.

On behalf of the Government of Japan and the Japanese nation, I pray for a peaceful repose for the astronauts who bravely assumed their mission for the progress of mankind, and I express my sincere condolences to all the families of the astronauts and the whole nation of the United States of America.

Respectfully,

Junichiro Koizumi
Prime Minister of Japan