[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[January 9, 1992]
[Pages 65-66]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at a State Dinner Hosted by Emperor Akihito of Japan in Tokyo

January 9, 1992
    Your Imperial Majesties and honored guests, on behalf of the 
American people, we wish to thank you for the warmth of this reception 
and for your tireless efforts in support of the relationship between our 
two great nations.
    The United States and Japan today stand on the threshold of a new 
era of cooperation in which our nations seek to build a new world of 
freedom and democracy. The task before us is daunting, one which will 
require vision and courage. But it is one from which we cannot shrink. 
Too much depends on us.
    As leaders of this new world, we face several challenges together, 
addressing the new security requirements of a changed world, promoting 
freedom and democracy, and generating world economic growth and 
prosperity.

[[Page 66]]

    Tonight, we celebrate the essence of this new world order and the 
opportunity to be true partners in its construction. We see how former 
enemies can become close allies and friends, real friends, each 
supporting, competing, growing, dreaming. Each understands that we must 
resolve our differences fairly and constructively.
    Our people both believe in work, community, faith, and family. We 
know how democracy supports the cause of peace among nations. We realize 
that although half a world may separate us, great ties unite us, ties 
that are economic and military, moral, and intellectual.
    Your Majesty, the name you have chosen for your reign can be 
translated as ``achieving peace.'' That choice signifies your deep 
personal commitment to this noble aspiration and your resolve not to 
revisit the tragedies of the past. We are now closer to achieving the 
blessings of peace than we have been at any time in this century.
    When the great Japanese novelist Kawabata received the Nobel Prize 
in literature, the citation praised him for ``building a spiritual 
bridge spanning East and West.'' In this changing world where the walls 
that once divided whole nations from each other are crumbling, we all 
must become both bridges to and partners in a new world order.
    In that spirit and with heartfelt thanks, Your Majesty, for your 
wonderful hospitality, I ask all of your guests to raise their glasses. 
To your health, sir, and to the bridge of friendship and common purpose 
uniting our countries, to those who built it and cross it still, and to 
the prosperity of our two great peoples.

                    Note: The President spoke at 8:10 p.m. at the 
                        Imperial Palace.