Hideyo Kawaharada, representing Japan’s northernmost district bordering Russia, voiced concern over deepening global divisions. Noting a sense among youth that Japan’s presence in Asia is waning, he urged taking pride in Japan’s strengths in environmental technology and contributing proactively to the international community.
Reporter: Koki Imon
For more details of this meeting, please see here..
Full Statement (English Translation)
“I represent a district in Japan’s far north that borders Russia, where agriculture and fisheries are the main industries… In my youth, I backpacked through roughly 80 countries over three to four years, seeing the world’s diverse realities.
On this 80th anniversary of the UN, I feel more than ever that global division is widening; this sense grows stronger as I stay in touch with friends worldwide. In such circumstances, the UN’s role is immense.
Turning to Japan, and related to the trilateral leadership of Japan, the ROK, and China mentioned earlier, I sense that many—especially young people—feel Japan is being left behind in Asia and losing presence.
But that should not be the case. I am concerned that Japanese youth are losing the power to send peaceful messages to the world. At the same time, Japan possesses strengths in environmental technology, and we should take pride in them and use them actively to contribute internationally.”
