 Good morning to you all it's an honor to have been asked to present this opening address at this prestigious event and I regret that I'm unable to join you in person due to legislative business here in the house today Japan is one of the United States greatest friends and most critical allies and a partner in so many different areas My own personal experience with Japan and its people dates back to the early 60s when my father an Air Force officer Was stationed in Tokyo Living in Tokyo in those early post-World War two years and being fortunate to travel Extensively throughout the country as a high school student gave me a unique opportunity to experience the country's rich and fascinating Culture its traditions and its history Early last year. I had the opportunity to visit Japan for the first time in 50 years It was a long overdue return and I was heartened that in our many meetings That was abundantly clear how the relationship between the United States and Japan has grown and matured Rooted in our shared values and our common purpose the economic ties between our countries are abundant and important It is necessary to keep open the lines of communication So leaders of both our countries can explore ways to maintain and grow these mutually beneficial partnerships Japan is Massachusetts fifth largest trading partner and in my district There are companies in a diverse array of fields such as pharmaceuticals medical devices Manufacturing and electronics that are Japanese owned Supporting jobs and innovative new products in a wide range of areas This point was driven home to me during one of our discussions in Japan when I asked a Japanese business leader How his company innovates he simply stated quote we buy American companies unquote America's innovation economy is cultivated and nurtured by government investment We found that when the government partners with the private sector to encourage research development and innovation What we produce and have to offer is more internationally appealing Beyond the important area of economic cooperation The United States and Japan face many common security challenges in the region a fact Which has been underscored by the provocative actions of North Korea as of late and of China in the South China Sea Challenges in the region include cyber threats and illicit Trafficking as well. And this is an area where natural disasters have a tendency to persist as a senior member on the armed services Committee I have seen the ways in which our countries have partnered to strengthen the security of the Asia Pacific region and the world Our continued pursuit of cooperative efforts help to realize the immense potential for growth and prosperity in the region And I believe the dialogue and communication at every level are crucial to our long-term Relationship in speaking with officials and business executives I was disappointed to learn that the number of exchange students from Japan to the United States has fallen Significantly since the 1990s some 50% according to one study My experience living in Japan taught me how important these types of personal investments are to mutual understanding and cooperation I encourage all of those interested in continuing the progress of the u.s Japanese partnership to think about how this trend can be reversed These are but a few of the issues that demonstrate the breadth and depth of u.s. Japanese cooperation I remain encouraged by the political will in both of our countries to maintain this strong and enduring partnership Thank you all again for the opportunity to share this morning with you And I hope you all enjoy a rich and fruitful discussion throughout the course of the day