On March 11, a massive earthquake and tsunami hit the northeast coastal region of Japan, which caused the region a huge loss of lives and properties. As you will be aware, they also caused an accident at a nuclear power station in Fukushima.

　On behalf of the government and people of Japan, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the support and heart-warming messages kindly sent to us from your country’s government and people. We will never forget the signs of friendship and solidarity you have shown us in response to this historic tragedy.

　We are now firmly determined to overcome all the difficulties we are being faced with, in order to keep contributing to the peace and prosperity of the world. We have started to concentrate our efforts on achieving the resumption of economic stability, getting citizens’ lives back to normal, resuming cultural activities and so on, throughout the country.

　In the case of the tourism sector, we are committed to welcoming visitors from all over the world to our country. A vast majority of Japan’s regions and their tourism attractions have not been affected by the disasters at all and thus are completely prepared to welcome guests from around the world.

　We hope to see many visitors from abroad come to such regions and have a good time without feeling any anxiety over safety or security during their stay. For that purpose, our organization will keep delivering the latest, accurate information on destinations in Japan in a timely manner.

　We feel people from around the world visiting Japan will bring us invaluable vigor, which we believe will have a significant positive impact on the Japanese people’s struggle to reconstruct and to rehabilitate the devastated areas. At the same time, they will also provide us with precious opportunities to express our gratitude.

　Accordingly, I am proud to state that this is the right time for you to enjoy your “Endless Discovery” in Japan.

Sincerely yours,