King Charles of England speaks of friendship, quoting Tokugawa Ieyasu's letter to James I... Complete Japanese translation of the greeting
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King Charles at Buckingham Palace on the night of the 25th (morning of the 26th June 2024 in Japan). The Japanese translation of the greeting given at the meeting is as follows:
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King Charles
The Emperor and the Empress, tonight My wife and I are delighted to be able to welcome Their Majesties to Buckingham Palace. I hope you enjoy your stay in the UK.
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Your Majesties, we share a deep partnership. For over 400 years, our two countries have inspired, learned from each other's experiences, and shared and enriched our industries, cuisines and cultures. Even our hobbies have common roots.
In the late 19th century, British mountaineers such as Walter Weston, enthralled by the scenery they saw in Japan, helped to popularise recreational mountaineering in Japan.
Many Japanese and British people now share a love of mountain climbing, and on a personal level, this is especially true for Your Majesty and myself!
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At the heart of our partnership is a deep friendship. It is based on a mutual understanding of the importance of international rules and institutions, born from the lessons of history and incredibly dark times.
Today, these principles are being challenged more than ever. Our shared universal values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law have never been more critical.
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Our partnership is also constantly growing, blossoming, and creating new shoots and branches. We share a bond unlike any other. As island nations, our power of collaboration and innovation has enabled us to develop new solutions for our societies and increase our ability to adapt at the forefront of progress.
Indeed, I believe the people of Japan and the UK understand how tradition and innovation can be strengthened by combining forces and the future we aim for.
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This brings me back to my first visit to Japan in 1970 when I visited Japan's first World Expo in Osaka. I was 21 years old at the time, and the technological innovations I saw there impressed me with the power of fusing the traditions of Eastern and Western civilizations to advance science and technology for the benefit of all.
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Since then, I have visited Japan four times. Through my many years of engagement with the Japanese people and companies, I believe the incredible economic and business ties between our two countries are built on these same principles.
Over the past 50 years, Japan has invested heavily in the British economy, and I am proud that the UK has become a robust growth platform for Japanese companies. At the same time, many British companies have also set up operations in Japan.
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Our best scientists collaborate on research and technology to address pressing global challenges. The seriousness and urgency of climate change and environmental crises cannot be overstated. Today, our generation owes it to future generations to confront these enormous challenges with strength, determination, and ingenuity.
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Our cultures have a profound traditional respect for nature, and the private sector plays an important role. We are working to encourage businesses in Japan and the UK to develop practical, fundable initiatives.
It is also gratifying to see that researchers from both countries who work to understand and protect the global environment have received many prestigious awards, such as the Blue Planet Prize and the Japan Prize.
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Our two countries are working together more closely than ever to ensure our shared security. We conduct high-level military exercises and share expertise as two great powers enduringly committed to global peace and security.
From energy and the natural environment to supply chains and semiconductors, cybersecurity and sustainable food supplies to defence and industry collaboration, our governments are working together to ensure a stable world for future generations.
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Underpinning all of these shared endeavours is the enduring bond between our people, despite the geographical distance between us - and I don't just mean enjoying a cup of tea and talking about the weather!
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Your Majesties, nearly 40 years ago, I addressed the Japanese Diet. I expressed my strong desire for greater cultural exchange between the UK and Japan, enriching our creative endeavours. I cannot express how heartening it is to see the incredible variety of cultural exchanges and collaborations between our two countries.
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Just today, 130 members of the Royal Opera House, led by Sir Antonio Pappano, performed at Kanagawa Prefectural Civic Hall in Japan.
Meanwhile, Studio Ghibli's animation continues to captivate audiences around the world. Hayao Miyazaki's magnificent film "The Boy and The Heron"(How Do You Live?) won an Academy Award earlier this year. A whole house of "Spirited Away" will be performed at the London Coliseum tonight.
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Similarly, it's nice to know that a British story is behind an icon of Japanese culture. Perhaps I can also highlight someone who turns 50 this year. She grew up with her twin sister on the outskirts of London, became a self-made entrepreneur who made billions and is also a UNICEF children's ambassador. I'd like to wish her a delighted birthday, Hello Kitty!
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Today, more young people than ever are studying, working and living in world-class educational institutions in Japan and the UK. I am highly honoured that many members of the Imperial Family, including Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress, have chosen to study at UK universities.
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The Emperor has written an extraordinary memoir about his experience studying at Oxford University, and I remember him well, attending operas and fly fishing with us. These opportunities to spend time abroad foster lifelong friendships and memories. Speaking of fishing, I haven't been very successful lately.
The famous Pokémon line, "I got all!" may fit my grandchildren, but it may be a bit much for me.
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Your Majesties, in 1613, Tokugawa Ieyasu wrote to my ancestor, King James I, "Though separated by thousands of leagues by clouds and tides, our territories seem almost close to one another." Even now, this feeling remains at the heart of our friendship.
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With such respect and hope, I offer a toast to Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress, to the people of Japan and another 400 years of UK-Japan relations. Cheers!
King Charles of England speaks of friendship, quoting Tokugawa Ieyasu's letter to James I...Full Japanese translation of the greeting
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/koushitsu/20240626-OYT1T50166/?from=smtnews
LIVE: State Banquet For Emperor and Empress of Japan at Buckingham Palace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6HMnXj6UrQ&t=3s
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan are beginning a three-day state visit to the UK. King Charles is hosting a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
[Speech uncut] An episode of the "great panic" occurred when His Majesty studied in the UK. Dinner hosted by the City of London (June 26th local time)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUzQsveB4zU&t=2109s
