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PRIME MINISTER'S DIARY

Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund

(IMF) and World Bank/

Nobel Laureate Congratulated

Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank

The Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, were held in Tokyo on October 9–14, 2012, attracting over 10,000 participants from 188 countries. The 2012 meeting marked the second time this event has been held in Japan since 1964. On October 12, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held a welcome reception, and said in his address:

"Although Japan has changed largely, there are two things that are unchanged from half a century ago. One is the 'indomitable spirit backed up with the bonds with people throughout the world.' In 1964, Japan, rising again from the devastation after the war, had hosted the Annual Meetings with a feeling of gratitude for the support from the international community. The 2012 Annual Meetings in Tokyo are being held at a time when Japan is still making utmost efforts in the reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake. With a sense of gratitude for the support and encouragement we have received from the international community, we would like you to see 'Japan at present,' working toward the reconstruction.

"The other point that has remained unchanged for half a century is the fact that 'Japan has a strong belief in the importance of international cooperation and free economic exchange.' It is because of the international cooperation and free economic exchange embodied by the IMF and the World Bank that Japan was able to achieve significant growth after World War II. I believe that the importance of such international cooperation and free economic exchange is increasing now, also in order for the world economy to overcome the difficulty it is facing. Based on such unwavering belief, Japan is determined to make large contributions to the activities of the IMF and the World Bank, including in terms of not only knowledge but also funds."


Nobel Laureate Congratulated

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda received a courtesy call at the Prime Minister's Office from Kyoto University Professor Dr. Shinya Yamanaka on October 12, following the latter's award of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for success of establishment of iPS cells.

Responding to the congratulatory words from the Prime Minister, Professor Yamanaka said, "I truly think that I won the prize not by myself alone but together with the whole of Japan." The Prime Minister said, "Because there are many people expecting future development, I think you carry a heavy responsibility. However, we would like to give support earnestly in the direction where the study can be securely put into practical use."

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