在ヒューストン日本国総領事館

　 I am delighted to participate in tree planting ceremony with all of you. I would like to express my gratitude to all who have devoted their time and energy to making today’s ceremony possible.

As you may all know, the Japanese Garden was originally established as a permanent monument symbolizing friendly relations between Japan and the U.S. With the cooperation of many organizations and individuals here today, construction of the Japanese Garden began in 1991, and it opened in 1992.

Through an initiative carried out by Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu during the Houston Summit of 1990, the Tea Room was presented as a gift to this city by the Japanese government.

The Japanese Garden has served as a resting place for Japanese nationals, Japanese-Americans, and Americans, a venue for hosting diverse cultural events, and a locale for introducing Japanese culture in the United States.

Perhaps some of you know that the Japanese Garden requires a great deal of work to maintain. Especially in a place such as Houston, which is located far from Japan, and which has a climate and geology different from Japan, maintaining the garden is no casual task. In spite of such difficulties, Japanese garden architector Mr. Terunobu Nakai and Tree Doctor, Japanese Gardener Mr. Hiroshi Iwasaki persist in their efforts to improve the garden. I trust that the fruit of their labor will be a Japanese Garden even more striking in appearance.

On this occasion, many additional trees will be planted as part of the plan to improve the Japanese Garden. In years to come, I envision a lush garden even more beautiful than it is now. I sincerely hope that this garden will continue to serve as a place of rest not only for Texans, but for all Americans, and as a venue for even deeper and more meaningful cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Thank you very much. Please enjoy and have a great day.