Addresses by His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince (2006)

Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince on the Occasion of the commemorative ceremony of the 10th International Congress of Inborn Errors of Metabolism(2006)

Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince
on the Occasion of the commemorative ceremony
of the 10th International Congress of Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Friday, September 15 , 2006
Hotel New Otani Makuhari

Distinguished participants,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am most pleased to have the honor of attending the commemorative ceremony of the 10th International Congress of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, together with so many participants from Japan and all over the world.

This year's Congress celebrates the 10th meeting, and I understand that it marks the passage of nearly a century since the concept of the genetic disorder known as Inherited Metabolic Diseases was first proposed. When I realize that great advances in the treatment and research of inherited metabolic diseases over the past century have resulted in saving the lives of many patients throughout the world, I am filled with deep respect for the pediatricians, biochemists, nurses, dietitians, and other specialists who have been dedicating hard work and strenuous efforts to this worthy cause.

I have heard that the field of Inherited Metabolic Diseases is made up of an excellent combination of basic and clinical medicine, and thanks to rapid progress in genetic engineering, the diagnosis of many genetic diseases has become possible, and it is expected that this field will contribute greatly to the development of future regenerative medicine and even gene therapy.

Nearly 20 years have passed since the last Congress in Asia was held in Japan, and I am happy to note that a great number of the research papers introduced at the Congress this year are from various nations of Asia, a region with an immense population. I hope that these research papers will clearly demonstrate the steady progress of research and clinical studies in Asia, which, I expect, will lead to an ever widening scope of international cooperation in this field.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere wish that this Congress will produce fruitful results and lead to further developments in the clinical study and research on Inherited Metabolic Diseases, and thus contribute to the well-being of humankind.

Thank you.

Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince on the Occasion of the Opening Ceremony of the 20th IUBMB International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and 11th FAOBMB Congress(2006)

Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince
on the Occasion of the Opening Ceremony of
the 20th IUBMB International Congress of Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology and 11th FAOBMB Congress
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Kyoto International Conference Hall

Distinguished participants,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased that the 20th IUBMB International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the 11th FAOBMB Congress is being held here, with the participation of so many scientists from all over the world.

39 years ago, in Tokyo, this Congress was convened for the first time in Japan. Since then, the life sciences have made remarkable developments, and we live now in the early 21st century when dramatic advances in the life sciences may herald a new era for mankind. I feel very happy that Japan is again hosting this Congress of worldwide importance, this time in Kyoto, with the theme "Life: Molecular Integration & Biological Diversity."

It is said that we are now in the midst of the golden age of the life sciences. The human genome, the very blueprint of a human body, has been decoded, and scientists, through their efforts, will eventually translate this genomic information into a scenario for the drama of life. It is extremely interesting how genome research will reveal the history of life.

At the same time, the life sciences are also closely linked to the issues of medical treatment of serious diseases such as leukemia and AIDS and assuring safety of food supply, which are presently confronting us and affecting our daily life. It is no exaggeration to say that this area of science will profoundly influence the future of mankind. In this context, I am very happy to see so many young scientists participating in this Congress.

Finally, I wish to express the hope that this Congress will produce fruitful results and contribute to the prosperity and welfare of mankind.

Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince of Japan on the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth World Water Forum(2006)

Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince of Japan
on the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth World Water Forum
on March 16, 2006, in Mexico City

President Fox,
His Royal Highness,
Co-chairs of the International Organizing Committee,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to attend the Fourth World Water Forum here in Mexico City, together with so many participants from nations all over the world.

I participated, as Honorary President, in the Third World Water Forum, held in Japan three years ago. The Third Forum was attended not only by representatives of states and international organizations but also by many people including representatives of non governmental organizations, all of whom joined in the discussions on water issues. I feel that the Third Forum contributed greatly to producing many concrete commitments and to enhancing the awareness of world water issues. I myself was able to deepen my understanding of various water problems that the world faces.

I am pleased to see that, since then, many serious global activities have taken place in various regions of the world, including the establishment of the United Nations Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation and the launching of the International Decade for Action "Water for Life" 2005-2015. In addition, we see developments, in Africa, with the strengthened activities of the African Ministers' Conference on Water and, in the Asian and Pacific region, with a new movement towards the creation of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum.

Unfortunately, however, little progress has been made, despite continuous efforts by many people of the world towards dealing with water supply and sanitation issues included in the Millennium Development Goals. It is also of utmost urgency and importance that measures be taken to cope with an increasing number of water-related disasters, such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami and major hurricanes and typhoons, resulting in so much serious damage to so many people.

The main theme of the Fourth World Water Forum is "Local Action for a Global Challenge". The Forum reinforces the actions for commitments started at the Third World Water Forum. I welcome this trend and hope that it will lead to the improvement of water-related issues in all regions of the world.

From early history, this region of Mexico has enjoyed the prosperity of very advanced civilizations such as the Maya. I have been informed that, today, here in the United Mexican States, the central and local governments are cooperating to overcome the water problems that are different in the northern and the southern parts of the country.

At the 2005 World Exposition, held in Aichi, Japan, last year, the pavilion of the United Mexican States successfully exhibited the relationship of water, nature and civilization. It was recognized with the Nature's Wisdom Award by the panel of judges at the Exposition. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the government and the people of Mexico in this respect.

Finally, I wish to express my sincere hope that this World Water Forum, held at the invitation of the government of the United Mexican States, will mark a big step towards the solution of water problems that the world continues to face.