It is most gratifying that the Atomic Energy Commission of Japan has been able to make an auspicious start on the New Year's Day, 1956.

　 The fact that Japan, the first and only victim of atomic bombing, should now embark upon her national enterprise for the peaceful utilization of atomic energy, is of a vast significance, I believe, not only to our country alone but also to the entire world.

　 The Japanese people, who themselves have suffered the horrors of atomic war, fervently hope and pray that mankind anywhere will never again be subjected to the same harrowing experience.　 This Commission is pledged to concentrate all its efforts on peaceful uses of atomic energy, adhering strictly to the letter and spirit of the Basic Atomic Energy Law.

　 We have learned that tremendous energy beyond man's imagination can be produced by nuclear fusion as well as by nuclear fission. The swift and astounding progress of science should make us realize all the more keenly our responsibility to see that new discoveries and inventions are used for the betterment of society and for the furtherance of world peace, and prosperity.

　 The living standard of a nation is often measured, by the amount of energy it consumes. It is estimated that twenty years from now Japan's energy consumption will be doubled, if we are to continue on our course of normal development. On the other hand, the exploitation of our coal and water power resources is fast reaching the limit both physically and economically. The purpose of the Commission is to remedy this alarming situation by making atomic energy available for general use. In the light of the successful experiments that have been carried out by the United States, the Soviet Union and other countries, I am confident that we, too, will succeed within five years in atomic power generation.

　 The supplying of atomic energy is, however, only one aspect of the Commission's project. Of no less importance and value is the utilization of the by-products,....namely, isotopes....in medicine, agriculture and industry. We plan to widen successively the areas of application of these new materials beginning wherever it is immediately practicable.

　 The first task of the Commission will be to import from the United States research, reactors as the result of coming into effect of the Japanese-American Atomic Energy Agreement, which provides among other things for the, lease of enriched uranium. By adopting and assimilating the facilities and advanced technologies we will seek to complete in good time the groundwork for the independent study and researches of our own.

　We member of the Commission have decided to dedicate ourselves to the atomic energy development program because of our desire to serve the interests of all nations, including our own. Especially do we aspire to contribute Japan's share to the development of atomic energy and the elevation of the standards of living in Asia as a whole. We look to friendly nations overseas as well as to all Japanese people for understanding arid support.