Greeting   leadership   Relationalship   For the future   Message to Japanese

MR. CHIKUSHI: Finally, you must have something to say to Japanese people. THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, I hope you have enjoyed this evening as much as I have. And I thank you again for your questions. I thank the people in Osaka for their questions. I thank you for your interest in your country and in our relationships with your country. I would just like to say in closing that the United States views Japan as our friend, our ally for the future. We regret that you have the present economic challenges you have, but we don't think you should be too pessimistic about the future. These things run in waves over time. Keep in mind, 10 years ago a lot of people said America's best days were behind it. And we looked to you and we learned a lot of things from you, and we borrowed some things from you and they helped us. And so now we're in a period of time where what we're doing is working pretty well for us and helping the rest of the world. But in the last 50 years no country has demonstrated the capacity to change more than Japan; and to lead and to emerge and to sort of redefine, continually redefine the mission of the nation. So I would, first of all, say do not be discouraged by the present economic difficulties, they can be overcome. The second thing I would say is, we had a big financial crisis in America and it cost us five times more than it would have to fix because we delayed dealing with it. So now you have the laws on the books. I would urge you to support your government in aggressively dealing with the financial institutions, aggressively moving to support greater consumption, aggressively moving for structural changes that will create more jobs. Because a strong Japan is good for you, but also essential to the rest of Asia emerging from its present difficulties. So don't be discouraged, but do be determined. That would be the advice of a friend. I say that because we have been through our tough times, we have learned so much from you. And the last point I want to make is the best days of Japan and the best days of America lay before us in the 21st century if we determine to go there together. Thank you very much. MR. CHIKUSHI: Thank you very much. I really appreciate that you spent more time than expected. Thank you very much.
[Read in Japanese]
	.