SUPER-SPECIAL: Since Japan and China normalized relationships in 1972, it is the first time that Japanese Prime Minister did not mention “China” in the lunar new year. In addition, Kishida used this opportunity to appreciate Taiwan and people in Taiwan. The message is in the below:
In English:
A Lunar New Year Message from Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio
January 28, 2022
I would like to send my best wishes to everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year and to the Chinese community living and working in Japan.
Since COVID-19 began spreading, the international community has been working together to take on this difficult challenge. Japan’s international contributions include providing COVID-19 vaccines to other countries. We will never forget the kindness we have received in times of hardship. When the world faces difficulties, we will keep making contributions to the best of our ability. Japan will also continue to work in cooperation with the international community. I myself will put every effort into overcoming COVID-19 and carving out a path to new era.
Please accept my best wishes for this year, the Year of the Tiger, to be a marvelous year filled with great vitality and growth for all of you.
Happy Lunar New Year!
In Chinese (for Taiwan):
岸田文雄内閣總理大臣 春節致詞
2022年 1月 28日 （周五）
謹向在日本生活工作的華僑華人、全球各地喜迎春節的各位朋友拜年。
自新冠疫情蔓延以來，國際社會携手合作應對這一難題。日本也透過向各國提供疫苗等致力於為國際社會做出貢獻。當日本遭遇困難時，為我們伸出溫暖援手的恩情，我們會永遠銘記在心。因此我們也希望在世界面臨困難時提供力所能及的幫助。今後，日本還將與國際社會緊密合作。我也將為克服疫情、開拓新時代傾注全力。
新春佳節，祝各位虎福安康、虎躍新程。
Happy Lunar New Year!
In Chinese:
岸田文雄内阁总理大臣 春节致辞
2022年 1月 28日 （周五）
谨向在日本生活工作的华侨华人、全球各地喜迎春节的所有朋友致以新春的问候。
自新冠疫情蔓延以来，国际社会携手合作应对这一难题。日本也通过向各国提供疫苗等致力于为国际社会做出贡献。当日本身处困境时，为我们伸出温暖援手的恩情，我们一直铭记在心。因此我们也希望在世界面临困难时提供力所能及的帮助。今后，日本仍将与国际社会紧密合作。我也将为克服新冠疫情、开拓新时代倾注全力。
衷心祝福大家春来万木荣，虎年今胜昔。
春节快乐。Happy Lunar New Year!