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发帖数: 3280 | 1 日本首相安倍晋三当地时间4月29日在美国国会联席会议发表讲演。演讲题目为“迈向
希望的同盟”。这也是今年（二战结束70周年）安倍展现其历史观的三大演讲之一。安
倍的演讲赢得了美国议员13次掌声，最后一次全体起立，掌声长达40秒。有评论认为，
安倍的演讲体现了主流文明世界光明世界的价值观。
安倍晋三美国国会演讲全文 赢得议员13次掌声
以下为演讲全文的中文译稿：
议长先生，副总统先生，尊敬的参众两院议员、尊敬的贵宾，女士们，先生们，
1957年6月，我的外祖父，时任日本首相岸信介也曾站在这里，以这样的一句话开
启了他的讲演：“正是因为我们对民主原则和理想的坚信不疑，日本决定站在自由世界
的一方。”
58年过去了。今天，我也非常荣幸地站到了这里，成为首位向美国参众两院联席会
议发表讲演的日本首相。我对你们的邀请表示衷心的感谢。
我有许多想说的东西。但我今天并不打算进行长篇大论，我也没有这样的能力。
今天，当我站在你们面前时，我想起了尊敬的你们同事们的名字，他们曾作为日本
驻美大使受到日本的欢迎。他们是麦克-孟斯菲尔德、沃尔特-蒙代尔、汤姆-福莱、霍
华德-贝克。
我代表日本人民，对于你们派出这样杰出的民主斗士致以热切的感谢。
卡罗琳-肯尼迪大使同样延续了美国民主的传统。非常感谢肯尼迪大使，感谢你为
我们所有人所做的杰出工作。
我们所有人也都很怀念参议员丹尼尔-井上，他代表着日裔美国人所取得的荣誉和
成就。
美国和我
女士们，先生们，我与美国的首次接触可以追溯至我的学生时代，当时我在加州留
学。
我住在一位名叫卡瑟琳-戴尔-弗朗西亚的女士家里。
作为一位寡妇，她总是谈起她已经过世的丈夫。她说：”你知道，他要比加里-库
珀还要帅。”她可是认真的。
你看，我的妻子昭惠正坐在听众席。但我可不敢问她对我的看法。
弗朗西亚女士做得一手独步天下的意大利菜。她总是很快乐，非常和善，让许多人
在她家留宿。
这些人都有非常不同的背景，我对此感到很惊讶，并对自己说：“美国真是个很棒
的国家。”
之后，我在一家钢铁公司找到一份工作，并有机会去纽约工作。
美国没有级别和论资排辈的现象。人们靠业绩说话。当你和别人讨论事情时，你不
用在意对方的资历深浅。人们看重的是一个想法本身是否很棒，而不是这个想法由谁提
出。
这种文化真令我着迷。
也因此，在我当选日本众院议员后，我所在政党的一些前辈会说：“嗨，安倍，你
脸皮可真厚。”
美国民主和日本
就我的姓而言，它不念做“埃比”（Eighb）。
有些美国人不时这样称呼我，但我也不觉得遭到了冒犯。
这是因为，女士们和先生们，日本人自开启现代化进程以来就在葛底斯堡讲演的著
名段落中看到了民主的基础。
农民和木匠的儿子可以成为总统，19世纪晚期，日本被这样一个国家唤醒了民主意
识。
对于日本来说，与美国的首次接触也是我们与民主的接触。这已经是150多年前的
事了。这使我们一起拥有共同的成熟的历史。
二战的记忆
在来到这里之前，我访问了二战纪念馆，那是一个平和安静的地方，让我想起了圣
殿。空气中满是喷泉流水的声音。
在纪念馆的一角，有一面自由墙，上面闪耀着4000多个金色的星子。
听说每颗星代表着100位阵亡的士兵后，我当下便惊的目瞪口呆。
我相信，这些金色的星星是象征着人们为捍卫自由所作出的牺牲，这种牺牲无疑是
高贵的。但这之中也凝聚着死者家人的痛苦、悲伤和爱。这些英年早逝的美国年轻人本
应有一个幸福的人生。
珍珠港、巴丹岛及科雷吉多尔岛、珊瑚海······这些被铭刻在纪念馆的战役
在我的脑海中浮现，我忍不住思考起这些阵亡的年轻人失去的梦想和未来。
历史是严厉的。已铸之事无法抹去。
带着深深的忏悔（deep repentance），我站在那里，静默地祈祷了一会儿。
我亲爱的朋友，我谨代表代表日本和日本人民，向二战期间死去的所有美国亡魂，
致以深深的敬意和永恒的哀悼。
过去是敌人，现在是朋友
女士们先生们，劳伦斯-斯诺登中今天也来到了现场。
70年前的2月，他在硫磺岛登陆。那时他是一个上尉，指挥一个连队。
近年来，斯诺登将军经常出席日美两国在硫磺岛举行的联合纪念活动。
他曾说过，“我们过去不是，现在也不是去硫磺岛庆祝胜利。我们只有一个庄严的
目的，即向双方在战争中失去生命的人员致以敬意和荣誉。”（but for the solemn
purpose to pay tribute to and honor those who lost their lives on both sides
.）
坐在斯诺登将军旁边的是日本议员新藤义孝，他曾在我的内阁任职。他的外祖父祖
父栗林忠道是硫磺岛战役期间的日军最高指挥官，我们直到今天还记得他的勇气。
如果这不是历史的奇迹的话，还能称之为什么呢？
曾以命向搏的敌人现在成为了心灵相通的朋友。
我要对斯诺登将军说，我对你所作出的和解努力表示敬意。非常感谢。
美国和战后日本
在二战后，我们重新上路，牢记着对二战的深切懊悔（deep remorse）之情。我们
的行为使亚洲国家的人们饱经苦难。我们一定不能无视这一切。我将支持历任首相在这
方面所表达的观点。
我们必须在各个方面更加致力于亚洲的发展。我们必须为亚洲地区的和平和繁荣竭
尽全力。
我们一路走来，时刻提醒自己牢记这一切。我为日本所选择的道路感到自豪。
70年前，战后的日本沦为一片硝烟弥漫的废墟。
当时，每个月都有美国公民向日本捐赠礼物，例如给孩子们的牛奶和暖和的羊毛衫
，甚至还有山羊。是的，美国向日本赠送了2036头山羊。
最初，也是日本从美国推动的战后经济制度中获得了最大的好处。当时美国开放了
自己的市场，呼吁建立自由的世界经济。
随后，自上世纪80年代以来，我们看到了韩国、台湾、和东盟国家的崛起。再过不
久，就是中国的崛起。
这一次，日本也为这些国家的经济增长作出了贡献，投入了大量的资本和技术。
与此同时，日本在美国创造的就业岗位数量仅次于英国，位居第二。
跨太平洋战略经济伙伴关系协定（TPP）
美国首先通过这种方式促进了繁荣，随后是日本。而繁荣就是和平的温床。
有多个亚太国家涉及该协定，它们的背景各不相同，美国和日本必须发挥领导作用
。我们必须发挥领导作用，建立一个公正、有活力、可持续的、不受任何国家专断意图
影响的市场。
在太平洋市场，我们不能忽视血汗工厂或经济发展给环境造成的负担。我们也不能
容许在知识产权方面搭便车的现象。
相反，我们应当在世界各地传播共同的价值观，即法治、民主和自由，让它们生根
发芽。
这正是TPP的实质所在。
此外，TPP并不只有经济上的好处，它还事关我们的安全。从长远来看，它的战略
价值将是巨大的，我们永远不应忘记这一点。
TPP覆盖的地区，经济总量占世界经济总量的四成，占全球贸易额的1/3。我们必须
将这一区域发展一个拥有持久的和平与繁荣的地区。
这一切是为了我们的孩子，和他们的后代。至于美日谈判，我们已接近达成目标。
让我们通过共同的领导来成功完成TPP吧。
为更强大的日本而进行改革
事实上，我现在可以告诉你们一些事情。
那是在近20年前，当时正在进行农业领域的GATT（即关税及贸易总协定）谈判。
我当时要年轻的多，热情如火，反对开放日本的农业市场。我甚至加入了在国会前
举行的农民代表集会。
然而，日本农业在过去20年已开始走下坡路。农民的平均年龄上升了10岁，超过了
66岁。
日本的农业正处在十字路口。为了使其能够生存下去，现在必须对其进行改革。
我们将对已经实施数十年的农业政策采取重大改革行动。同样将面临改革的还有农
业合作社，我们的农业合作社在过去60年的漫长岁月里一点儿变化也没有。
日本的公司监管现在已完全与国际标准接轨，因为我们让它变得更加强大。
在医学和能源等领域，僵硬的规则被打破，我则在其中起着先锋的作用。
为了逆转人口减少的趋势，我决心采取所有必要措施。我们正在改变一些旧习俗，
以便让女性拥有更多权利，让她们能够更加积极地投身各行各业。
简而言之，日本正处于大飞跃之中。
我亲爱的国会议员们，请来看看新的日本吧。我们已经恢复了改革精神和速度感。
日本将不会逃避任何改革措施，我们只向前路看，并将推动结构改革。
我们别无选择，也无疑虑。
战后和平和日本的选择
我亲爱的同仁，没有美国的领导，战后世界的和平与安全是无法实现的。
回首过去，我高兴地看到，日本在过去的每时每刻都作出了正确的抉择。
正如我开始引用我外祖父的话说的那样，那个抉择就是选择一条道路。也即，日本
与美国结盟，作为西方世界一员前行的道路。最后，与美国和其它志同道合的民主国家
一道，我们赢得了冷战的胜利。这是一条让日本成长和繁荣的道路。即便在今天，日本
也别无选择。
联盟：在亚太地区的任务
我的亲爱的同事，我们支持美国的“再平衡”，以加强亚太地区的和平与安全。
我将明确表示，我们将始终支持美国的这一努力。
日本已经与澳大利亚和印度深化了战略关系。我们与东盟国家和韩国在许多领域加
强了合作。
给美日同盟这个中心支柱增加这些伙伴将使我们的地区更加地稳定。
现在，日本将提供28亿美元援助，以帮助改善美国驻关岛的基地。关岛基地的战略
重要性在未来将会变得更加突出。
就亚洲海域而言，请让我在这里强调我的三个原则：
首先，各国当根据国际法来提出要求。
第二，各国不应当使用武力或者强迫手段来推动它们的要求。
第三，通过和平手段来解决任何争端。
我们必须让从太平洋至印度洋广泛的海域成为自由和自由之海，所有国家都遵守法
治原则。
为此，我们必须强化美日联盟，这是我们的责任。
现在，请让我告诉你们。
在日本，我们正在努力采取措施，强化我们的安保立法基础。
在这些立法措施就位的情况下，日本将更能对各项危机作出天衣无缝的反应。
强化后的立法基础应当使美军和日本自卫队的合作更加密切，美日联盟更加牢固，
为地区和平提供可信威慑。
这项改革是全新的，是我们战后历史上力度很大的一项改革。我们将在今年夏天完
成这项改革。
现在，我还有一些消息要与你们分享。
美国国务卿克里、美国国防部长卡特前天会见了日本外相岸田文雄、防务相中谷元
，双方进行了磋商。
我们达成了新防务合作框架，一个更好地共同配置美日军事力量的框架。
这个框架是与日本正在进行的立法努力相一致的。
这对于建设和平、一个更可靠的和平是必须的。这就是新防务合作指导方针。
奥巴马总统和我昨天对这些指导方针的意义达成了完全一致的看法。
女士们，先生们，我们达成了一个具有历史意义的协议。
日本的新旗帜
在上世纪90年代初期，日本海上自卫队曾在波斯湾清除过水雷。
在过去十年，日本自卫队在印度洋支持了美国的行动，以遏制恐怖分子和武器的流
动。
与此同时，日本自卫队队员在柬埔寨、戈兰高地、伊拉克、海地和南苏丹参加了人
道主义支持和维和行动。参与人数达到5万人。
在这些基础之上，我们决心为了世界和平与稳定承担更多责任。
为此目的，我们决心在今年夏天颁布所有必要的法案。我们将做到这一点。
我们必须确保，除了国家安全，人类安全也必须得到保证。这是我们坚定的信仰。
我们要竭尽全力让所有的人获得教育、医疗支持，获得实现自力更生的机会。
武装冲突使女性成为最大的受害者。在我们的时代，我们必须实现让女性免遭人权
侵犯的最终目标。
我们的军人取得了重大成就，我们的援助人员也是如此，他们持续不懈地进行着工
作。
他们的人数使我们获得了新的自我认同。
这就是我们现在高举行新旗帜的原因。这面新旗帜是“基于国际合作，为和平做出
积极贡献”。
请让我重申，“基于国际合作，为和平做出积极贡献”将引导日本沿未来之路前进。
我们面临的问题包括恐怖主义，传染病、自然灾难和气候变化。
现在是美日同盟直面和共同应对这些新挑战的时候了。
毕竟，我们结盟的持续时间已超过了美国全部历史的1/4。
这是一个牢固的联盟，由信任和友谊相联接，是一个深度合作的联盟。
没有必要为这个联盟制订任何新概念。这个联盟由自由世界最大和第二大的民主国
家，美国和日本组成。
这个联盟永久珍视我们共同的价值观——法治、对人类尊严和自由的尊重。
未来的希望
当我在上中学时，电台播出的一首歌曲曾打动我的心。
这是一首由卡洛尔-金演唱的歌曲。
歌中唱道：“当你心情低落、饱受困扰时，闭上眼睛，想想我吧，我将在那里，照
亮你最黑暗的夜晚。”
2011年3月11日，强震、海啸和核事故袭击了日本东北部。
这是日本最黑暗的夜晚。
接着，我们便看到美军紧急赶赴灾区，开展了规模前所未有的救援行动
在美国各界，很多很多人向日本地震灾区的儿童伸出了援手。
是的，我们有你们这样的朋友。
你们和地震受灾者一起流泪，你们给了我们一些非常，非常宝贵的东西。
那就是希望，对未来的希望。
女士们，先生们，美国能给世界的最佳资产是希望，将是而且也必须一直是希望。
尊敬的美国公民的代表，让我们将美日联盟称作希望联盟。
让我们两国，美国和日本联手，竭尽全力来使世界成为一个更好的，一个比过去好
很多的居住场所。
希望的联盟，我们携手，将能使世界有所不同。
非常感谢你们。
来源：新浪国际
以下为英文演讲稿原文：
Toward an Alliance of Hope
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, distinguished members of the Senate and
the House, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Back in June, 1957, Nobusuke Kishi, my grandfather, standing right here
, as Prime Minister of Japan, began his address, by saying, and I quote,
"It is because of our strong belief in democratic principles and ideals
that Japan associates her self with the free nations of the world."
58 years have passed. Today, I am honored to stand here as the first
Japanese Prime Minister ever to address your joint meeting. I extend my
heartfelt gratitude to you for inviting me.
I have lots of things to tell you. But I am here with no ability, nor
the intention, to filibuster.
As I stand in front of you today, the names of your distinguished
colleagues that Japan welcomed as your ambassadors come back to me: the
honorable Mike Mansfield, Walter Mondale, Tom Foley, and Howard Baker.
On behalf of the Japanese people, thank you so very much for sending us
such shining champions of democracy.
Ambassador Caroline Kennedy also embodies the tradition of American
democracy. Thank you so much, Ambassador Kennedy, for all the dynamic work
you have done for all of us.
We all miss Senator Daniel Inouye, who symbolized the honor and
achievements of Japanese-Americans.
America and I
Ladies and gentlemen, my first encounter with America goes back to my
days as a student, when I spent a spell in California.
A lady named Catherine Del Francia let me live in her house.
She was a widow, and always spoke of her late husband saying, "You know
, he was much more handsome than Gary Cooper." She meant it. She really did.
In the gallery, you see, my wife, Akie, is there. I don't dare ask what
she says about me.
Mrs. Del Francia's Italian cooking was simply out of this world. She
was cheerful, and so kind, as to let lots and lots of people stop by at her
house.
They were so diverse. I was amazed and said to myself, "America is an
awesome country."
Later, I took a job at a steelmaker, and I was given the chance to work
in New York.
Here in the U.S. rank and hierarchy are neither here nor there. People
advance based on merit. When you discuss things you don't pay much attention
to who is junior or senior. You just choose the best idea, no matter who
the idea was from.
This culture intoxicated me.
So much so, after I got elected as a member of the House, some of the
old guard in my party would say, "hey, you're so cheeky, Abe."
American Democracy and Japan
As for my family name, it is not "Eighb."
Some Americans do call me that every now and then, but I don't take
offense.
That's because, ladies and gentlemen, the Japanese, ever since they
started modernization, have seen the very foundation for democracy in that
famous line in the Gettysburg Address.
The son of a farmer-carpenter can become the President The fact that
such a country existed woke up the Japanese of the late 19th century to
democracy.
For Japan, our encounter with America was also our encounter with
democracy. And that was more than 150 years ago, giving us a mature history
together.
World War II Memorial
Before coming over here, I was at the World War II Memorial. It was a
place of peace and calm that struck me as a sanctuary. The air was filled
with the sound of water breaking in the fountains.
In one corner stands the Freedom Wall. More than 4,000 gold stars shine
on the wall.
I gasped with surprise to hear that each star represents the lives of
100 fallen soldiers.
I believe those gold stars are a proud symbol of the sacrifices in
defending freedom. But in those gold stars, we also find the pain, sorrow,
and love for family of young Americans who otherwise would have lived happy
lives.
Pearl Harbor, Bataan Corregidor, Coral Sea. The battles engraved at the
Memorial crossed my mind, and I reflected upon the lost dreams and lost
futures of those young Americans.
History is harsh. What is done cannot be undone.
With deep repentance in my heart, I stood there in silent prayers for
some time.
My dear friends, on behalf of Japan and the Japanese people, I offer
with profound respect my eternal condolences to the souls of all American
people that were lost during World War II.
Late Enemy, Present Friend
Ladies and gentlemen, in the gallery today is Lt. Gen. Lawrence Snowden.
Seventy years ago in February, he landed on Ioto, or the island of Iwo
Jima, as a captain in command of a company. In recent years, General Snowden
has often participated in the memorial services held jointly by Japan and
the U.S. on Ioto.
He said, and I quote, "We didn't and don't go to Iwo Jima to celebrate
victory, but for the solemn purpose to pay tribute to and honor those who
lost their lives on both sides."
Next to General Snowden sits Diet Member Yoshitaka Shindo, who is a
former member of my Cabinet. His grandfather, General Tadamichi Kuribayashi,
whose valor we remember even today, was the commander of the Japanese
garrison during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
What should we call this, if not a miracle of history?
Enemies that had fought each other so fiercely have become friends
bonded in spirit.
To General Snowden, I say that I pay tribute to your efforts for
reconciliation. Thank you so very much.
America and Post-War Japan
Post war, we started out on our path bearing in mind feelings of deep
remorse over the war. Our actions brought suffering to the peoples in Asian
countries. We must not avert our eyes from that. I will uphold the views
expressed by the previous prime ministers in this regard.
We must all the more contribute in every respect to the development of
Asia. We must spare no effort in working for the peace and prosperity of the
region.
Reminding ourselves of all that, we have come all this way. I am proud
of this path we have taken.
70 years ago, Japan had been reduced to ashes.
Then came each and every month from the citizens of the United States
gifts to Japan like milk for our children and warm sweaters, and even goats.
Yes, from America, 2,036 goats came to Japan.
And it was Japan that received the biggest benefit from the very
beginning by the post-war economic system that the U.S. had fostered by
opening up its own market and calling for a liberal world economy.
Later on, from the 1980's, we saw the rise of the Republic of Korea,
Taiwan, the ASEAN countries, and before long, China as well.
This time, Japan too devotedly poured in capital and technologies to
support their growths.
Meanwhile in the U.S., Japan created more employment than any other
foreign nation but one, coming second only to the U.K.
TPP
In this way, prosperity was fostered first by the U.S., and second by
Japan. And prosperity is nothing less than the seedbed for peace.
Involving countries in Asia-Pacific whose backgrounds vary, the U.S.
and Japan must take the lead. We must take the lead to build a market
that is fair, dynamic, sustainable, and is also free from the arbitrary
intentions of any nation.
In the Pacific market, we cannot overlook sweat shops or burdens on the
environment. Nor can we simply allow free riders on intellectual
property.
No. Instead, we can spread our shared values around the world and have
them take root: the rule of law, democracy, and freedom.
That is exactly what the TPP is all about.
Furthermore, the TPP goes far beyond just economic benefits. It is also
about our security. Long-term, its strategic value is awesome. We should
never forget that.
The TPP covers an area that accounts for 40 per cent of the world
economy, and one third of global trade. We must turn the area into a region
for lasting peace and prosperity.
That is for the sake of our children and our children's children. As
for U.S.-Japan negotiations, the goal is near. Let us bring the TPP to a
successful conclusion through our joint leadership.
Reforms for a Stronger Japan
As a matter of fact, I have something I can tell you now.
It was about 20 years ago. The GATT negotiations for agriculture were
going on.
I was much younger, and like a ball of fire, and opposed to opening
Japan's agricultural market. I even joined farmers' representatives in a
rally in front of the Parliament.
However, Japan's agriculture has gone into decline over these last 20
years. The average age of our farmers has gone up by 10 years and is now
more than 66 years old.
Japan's agriculture is at a crossroads. In order for it to survive, it
has to change now.
We are bringing great reforms toward the agriculture policy that's been
in place for decades. We are also bringing sweeping reforms to our
agricultural cooperatives that have not changed in 60 long years.
Corporate governance in Japan is now fully in line with global
standards, because we made it stronger.
Rock-solid regulations are being broken in such sectors as medicine and
energy. And I am the spearhead.
To turn around our depopulation, I am determined to do whatever it
takes. We are changing some of our old habits to empower women so they can
get more actively engaged in all walks of life.
In short, Japan is right in the middle of a quantum leap.
My dear members of the Congress, please do come and see the new Japan,
where we have regained our spirit of reform and our sense of speed.
Japan will not run away from any reforms. We keep our eyes only on the
road ahead and push forward with structural reforms.
That's TINA: There Is No Alternative. And there is no doubt about it
whatsoever.
Post War Peace and Japan's Choice
My dear colleagues, the peace and security of the post-war world was not
possible without American leadership.
Looking back, it makes me happy all the time that Japan of years past
made the right decision.
As I told you at the outset, citing my grandfather, that decision was
to choose a path.
That's the path for Japan to ally itself with the U.S., and to go
forward as a member of the Western world.
In the end, together with the U.S. and other like-minded democracies,
we won the Cold War.
That's the path that made Japan grow and prosper. And even today, there
is no alternative.
The Alliance: its Mission for the Region
My dear colleagues, we support the "rebalancing" by the U.S. in order to
enhance the peace and security of the Asia-Pacific region.
And I will state clearly. We will support the U.S. effort first, last,
and throughout.
Japan has deepened its strategic relations with Australia and India. We
are enhancing our cooperation across many fields with the countries of
ASEAN and the Republic of Korea.
Adding those partners to the central pillar that is the U.S.-Japan
alliance, our region will get stable remarkably more.
Now, Japan will provide up to 2.8 billion dollars in assistance to help
improve U.S. bases in Guam, which will gain strategic significance even
more in the future.
As regards the state of Asian waters, let me underscore here my three
principles.
First, states shall make their claims based on international law.
Second, they shall not use force or coercion to drive their claims.
And third, to settle disputes, any disputes, they shall do so by
peaceful means.
We must make the vast seas stretching from the Pacific to the Indian
Oceans seas of peace and freedom, where all follow the rule of law.
For that very reason we must fortify the U.S.-Japan alliance. That is
our responsibility.
Now, let me tell you.
In Japan we are working hard to enhance the legislative foundations for
our security.
Once in place, Japan will be much more able to provide a seamless
response for all levels of crisis.
These enhanced legislative foundations should make the cooperation
between the U.S. military and Japan's Self Defense Forces even stronger, and
the alliance still more solid, providing credible deterrence for the peace
in the region.
This reform is the first of its kind and a sweeping one in our post-war
history. We will achieve this by this coming summer.
Now, I have something to share with you.
The day before yesterday Secretaries Kerry and Carter met our Foreign
Minister Kishida and Defense Minister Nakatani for consultations.
As a result, we now have a new framework. A framework to better put
together the forces of the U.S. and Japan.
A framework that is in line with the legislative attempts going on in
Japan.
That is what's necessary to build peace, more reliable peace in the
region. And that is namely the new Defense Cooperation Guidelines.
Yesterday, President Obama and I fully agreed on the significance of
these Guidelines.
Ladies and gentlemen, we agreed on a document that is historic.
Japan's New Banner
In the early 1990s, in the Persian Gulf Japan's Self-Defense Forces
swept away sea mines.
For 10 years in the Indian Ocean, Japanese Self-Defense Forces
supported your operation to stop the flow of terrorists and arms.
Meanwhile in Cambodia, the Golan Heights, Iraq, Haiti, and South Sudan,
members of our Self-Defense Forces provided humanitarian support and peace
keeping operations. Their number amounts to 50,000.
Based on this track record, we are resolved to take yet more
responsibility for the peace and stability in the world.
It is for that purpose we are determined to enact all necessary bills
by this coming summer. And we will do exactly that.
We must make sure human security will be preserved in addition to
national security. That's our belief, firm and solid.
We must do our best so that every individual gets education, medical
support, and an opportunity to rise to be self-reliant.
Armed conflicts have always made women suffer the most. In our age, we
must realize the kind of world where finally women are free from human
rights abuses.
Our servicemen and women have made substantial accomplishments. So have
our aid workers who have worked so steadily.
Their combined sum has given us a new self-identity.
That's why we now hold up high a new banner that is "proactive
contribution to peace based on the principle of international cooperation."
Let me repeat. "Proactive contribution to peace based on the principle
of international cooperation" should lead Japan along its road for the
future.
Problems we face include terrorism, infectious diseases, natural
disasters and climate change.
The time has come for the U.S.-Japan alliance to face up to and jointly
tackle those challenges that are new.
After all our alliance has lasted more than a quarter of the entire
history of the United States.
It is an alliance that is sturdy, bound in trust and friendship, deep
between us.
No new concept should ever be necessary for the alliance that connects
us, the biggest and the second biggest democratic powers in the free world,
in working together.
Always, it is an alliance that cherishes our shared values of the rule
of law, respect for human rights and freedom.
Hope for the future
When I was young in high school and listened to the radio, there was a
song that flew out and shook my heart.
It was a song by Carol King.
"When you're down and troubled, close your eyes and think of me, and I'
ll be there to brighten up even your darkest night."
And that day, March 11, 2011, a big quake, a tsunami, and a nuclear
accident hit the northeastern part of Japan.
The darkest night fell upon Japan.
But it was then we saw the U.S. armed forces rushing to Japan to the
rescue at a scale never seen or heard before.
Lots and lots of people from all corners of the U.S. extended the hand
of assistance to the children in the disaster areas.
Yes, we've got a friend in you.
Together with the victims you shed tears. You gave us something,
something very, very precious.
That was hope, hope for the future.
Ladies and gentlemen, the finest asset the U.S. has to give to the
world was hope, is hope, will be, and must always be hope.
Distinguished representatives of the citizens of the United States, let
us call the U.S.-Japan alliance, an alliance of hope.
Let the two of us, America and Japan, join our hands together and do
our best to make the world a better, a much better, place to live.
Alliance of hope . Together, we can make a difference.
Thank you so much. |
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