My heartfelt congratulations to you for the opening of "The 7th Challenged Japan Forum 2001 International Symposium in Mie".

The great advances in IT are incredible. The CJF has been adopting those latest technologies in their training systems and supporting the challenged people for their training and promotion of employment throughout the country.

In Osaka Prefecture we have been conducting IT courses for the people with disabilities, and promoting employment opportunities for the challenged by establishing "IT Challenged courses" at some 40 prefectural nursing schools for disabled children in Osaka Prefecture.

At this forum, in addition to the proposals by the challenged, there will be a session by lady governors including myself coordinated by Gov. Kitagawa of Mie Prefecture. I am looking forward to participating this session.

It is my pleasure and honor to participate your forum. Wishing you all the best and success of your great forum.