Addresses by His Majesty the Emperor
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Distinguished Guests,
It gives me great pleasure to have this opportunity to join you today, as the 41st World Veterinary Association Congress is convened here in Tokyo, bringing together veterinarians and experts of various fields from many countries and regions around the world. I am also delighted that, since the World Veterinary Congress was held in Japan in 1995 for the first time in Asia, it is now being held here again after 31 years.
In our society, which is supported in many ways by the presence of animals, veterinarians are facing the lives of animals every day and have dedicated themselves as professionals to protect their health and welfare. In addition, extending beyond the clinical care of animals, veterinarians have long played vital roles across a wide range of fields through their advanced scientific and professional expertise and its practical application. I would like to express my deep respect for the dedication and contributions that veterinarians have made to society.
My family has shared our lives with various animals, including three rescued dogs and four rescued cats that we have cared for. We have received much joy and comfort from them, and each of these lives has always been something irreplaceable to us. In protecting the health and well-being of these animals, we are deeply grateful to veterinarians and to the staff of the animal hospital, who have constantly provided devoted care for them. Through this, we have a deep feeling of appreciation for the work of veterinarians who strive to protect the health and save the lives of animals.
In recent years, the concept of “One Health,” which views human health, animal health, and the soundness of the environment as an integrated whole, has been attracting increasing attention both in Japan and internationally. It has come to my understanding that under this concept, veterinarians are expected more to address zoonotic diseases, implement measures for the prevention and control of infectious diseases in livestock, ensure food safety, promote public health through the prudent use of antimicrobial agents, and undertake a wide range of other responsibilities. These include the monitoring of wildlife health and the rescue and care of animals in times of disaster. These practices of One Health, carried out in cooperation with professionals in various fields, including medicine and environmental science, contribute to reducing risks to society as a whole, and their significance is growing ever greater beyond the boundaries of nations and academic disciplines.
In conclusion, I sincerely hope that this Congress will serve as a valuable opportunity for veterinarians and experts of different fields from around the world to share knowledge, deepen cooperation, and open new paths toward the future. I also trust that it will contribute to the realization of a society in which humans and animals can live together in harmony, and to a better future for the world.
Thank you very much.