Vladimir Putin's address:
Mr Yamasita, friends,
In our recent discussions Prime Minister Taro Aso and I spoke about the development of Russian-Japanese ties, and made plans for the future. I mentioned to the Prime Minister, a moment ago, that just like any neighbours, our two countries have a varied history, one which is full of dramatic incidents.
But in Russia we have always held the Japanese people's national character and distinctive culture in high esteem. This national character is expressed in a people's culture, in their folk dances, in music, theatre and in national sports.
When I mentioned dance, the theatre, and music, I forgot another important element of Japanese culture, something that is very fashionable and popular in Russia today, and that is Japanese cuisine.
Of course a country that can export all the very best it has to other countries, has a great people and a great culture. Not many people even in Japan, I think, know that Judo is today one of the most popular sports in the world in terms of the number of people involved in it, and the number of national federations.
When I was working on this book with my friends several years ago I could not imagine that I would ever have the opportunity, and the honour of presenting this book in Japan in Japanese. Of course, this book does not aspire to be all encompassing, or to present the full wealth of knowledge about Judo. If it has some value then it is thanks to the accompanying video, in which eminent Judo masters such as Mr Yamasita took part.
One ancient eastern sage said: "It is easy to love the whole world, just try to love your neighbour". If this book, at least in a small way, serves to help people in our countries know and understand each other better, and elicits goodwill between our peoples, then I would say that our aim in writing and publishing it has been achieved.
I would like to thank everyone who took part in the translation and publication of this book. I would like to thank the University for the Honorary Doctorate with which I was awarded today. I consider it as an advance given to make our best hopes for the development of Russian-Japanese relations a reality.
Thank you very much.