In the evening of November 15, DP President Renho met with German President Joachim Gauck, during the latter’s visit to Japan.  The two enjoyed discussions regarding issues such as the environment and energy in a convivial atmosphere.  Renho expressed her appreciation to Gauck for his decision to select Nagasaki as what is likely to be the last overseas destination he will visit as president.

In relation to the President’s visit to Nagasaki, one of the two Japanese cities that had suffered an atomic attack, DP members of the House of Councillors Mieko Kamimoto, Yukihisa Fujita and Hiroe Makiyama, who were also attending the meeting, had visited the German Ambassador in June of this year, and requested that President Gauck or Chancellor Merkel visit either Hiroshima or Nagasaki.  The Diet members had also submitted similar requests to the Ambassadors of other European nations who are members of the G7.