Shigeru Yoshida Quotes (13 Quotes)

I speak of the old Japan, because out of the ashes of the old Japan there has risen a new Japan.

There is fear as to whether Japan, reduced to such a predicament, could ever manage to pay reparations to certain designated Allied Powers without shifting the burden upon the other Allied Powers.

I am glad to believe that the signing of the Japanese Peace Treaty today marks one good fruit of their noble endeavors in that direction.

Moreover, article 14 empowers Allied Nations, which have suffered no damage from the war, to seize Japanese private property in their countries.

We see in the future a new era among nations, an era of peace and harmony as described in the opening words of the Charter of the United Nations.

Japan has opened a new chapter in its history.

Almost a century has passed since Japan first entered the world community by concluding a treaty of amity with the United States of America in 1854.

We pray that henceforth not only Japan but all mankind may know the blessings of harmony and progress.

We are determined that our nation shall cease to be a burden on other countries but shall contribute positively to world prosperity, while observing fully the fair trade practices in international commerce.

The second is that the role of China trade in Japanese economy, important as it is, has often been exaggerated, as proven by our experience of the past 6 years.

By perfecting this legislative machinery and by participating in the various international agreements we intend to contribute to the wholesome development of world trade.

We have listened here to the delegates who have recalled the terrible human suffering, and the great material destruction of the late war in the Pacific. It is with feelings of sorrow that we recall the part played in that catastrophic human experience by the old Japan.

We will not fail your expectations of us as a new nation dedicated to peace, democracy, and freedom.