I would like to extend my heartfelt Greetings, and a warm welcome on behalf of the Sanyo Bussan International Lifesaving Cup 2018 Organizing Committee.
This event, the only international event for lifesaving in Japan, has grown into a major competition with history and tradition, attracting the world’s top lifesavers. It marks its 11th Cup this year.

I would like to express my appreciation to Sanyo Bussan Co., Ltd. and Sanyo Hanbai Co. Ltd., as the Japanese National Team’s official partner, for their indispensable support for the ongoing development of the event.

Thanks to this event, the Japanese National team has made remarkable progress over the past decade. The team have been on overseas expedition more than 30 times to compete in international competitions. They have won medals in the World Championships, over 500 athletes have been designated as members in the High Performance Team, and training camps have been held in Japan more than 100 times. We have also held practice sessions for junior and youth age groups to raise the level of lifesaving sport.

In addition, we have strengthened ties with the International Life Saving Federation and other paticipating countries, which have created opportunities to solidify Japan’s presence and role worldwide.

This November, the World Championships will be held in Australia. I hope that the Japanese national team will exceed its past results and performances. I believe this upcoming event in Japan is highly meaningful to all competing countries as a preliminary event ahead of the World Championships.

I sincerely hope that all athletes and associates will send the message of the international mission to the world. “ A World Free from Drowning”.

Finally, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to our special sponsors Sanyo Bussan Co., Ltd. / Sanyo Hanbai Co. Ltd., and all related authorities and persons whose support and cooperation have made this event possible.

I would like to extend my warm welcome to guests to Fukuoka City from all over the world on the occasion of the Sanyo Bussan International Lifesaving Cup 2018.

Lifesavers’ day-to-day efforts to save lives at the watersides, and activities to raise Water Safety awareness and prevent accidents, are worthy of the utmost respect.

I look forward to seeing participating athletes demonstrate their abilities achieved through strenuous daily training and compete with great vigor, and hope that spectators will take a greater interest in Water Safety and prevention of waterside accidents as a result of this event.

In Fukuoka City we are currently conducting “One Citizen One Flower Campaign” the Flower City Fukuoka campaign, in which we encourage each citizen to raise a flower, to turn the city blooming with into one brimming with flowers and greenery. We hope that visitors will enjoy the flowerbeds and trees, intended also to convey a spirit of hospitality, and fully experience the charms of the city that combines an abundant natural environment with efficient urban functionality.

In Fukuoka City, various major sports events will be held around the same time as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. In 2019 the ISU World Team Trophy in Figure Skating, the Japan Championships in Athletics, and the Rugby World Cup, in 2021 the World Swimming Championship will be held. We view these events as a great opportunity to heighten people’s awareness of sports, as we continue to make positive efforts toward sports promotion from the three perspectives of “Participate, Watch, and Support.”

I would like to conclude my welcome greetings with my fondest hopes for this event’s great success and Japan Lifesaving Association’s further growth. Thank you very much.