Somewhat to my surprise, I have been appointed Librarian of the National Diet Library, and I look forward to your support.

Starting after World War II with new hope for the future, the National Diet Library has achieved many results over some 60 years as an organization assisting the legislative activities of the National Diet and as the sole national library of the country, under the slogan "Truth makes us free." Looking toward the coming 40 years up to the 100th anniversary of our library, I would like to put up a new slogan: "Knowledge is a source of enrichment," for all the libraries in Japan

Japan has come to this day through everyone's steady efforts, supported by the concepts of development and advancement based on science and technology.  However, looking back at the past at the beginning of the 21st century, we realize that while we have been building a rich culture, many serious problems have emerged: global environmental issues, shortage of food, resources, energy and explosion of population. Therefore, the next 40 years should be devoted to pursuing spiritual richness, besides solving these serious problems. We also have to consider what Japan can do for this earth in order to make the world what it should be.

I think what is most important for us as Japanese is that we should be better aware of our own culture and our essential wisdom, that is, Japanese knowledge and spirit. By trying to make their value widely appreciated all over the world, we can contribute to the realization of a sustainable and peaceful earth and society with richness of spirit. This is because, while specialized knowledge produces technology and brings social and economic development, wide and rich knowledge creates better culture, enriches people's minds and thus becomes the dynamic force leading to a peaceful society worldwide.

Accordingly, libraries will play an increasingly important role because they are treasuries of knowledge. Much wider and more diversified activities will be expected of them. The National Diet Library will, from now on, do its best to fulfill these expanding expectations and contribute to society in cooperation with Japan's libraries of all kinds, taking the lead in new trends.