Shigeru Yoshida Quotes

History offers examples of winning in diplomacy after losing in war.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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