I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations on the 15th anniversary of the registration of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” as a UNESCO World Heritage. This cultural heritage is a valuable asset that should be recognized as the source of Japanese spirituality, and it has lived on in both Japan's history and in the Japanese psyche as a constant target of religious devotion. By no means was the value of the place first recognized as a result of its registration as a World Heritage. I have a special connection, as I serve as an advisor to Kongobu-ji Head Temple, the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, and to Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine. During my time as the ambassador to Switzerland, I focused on promoting the depth and beauty of Japanese culture and tradition in Switzerland and Europe, often using Koyasan and Kumano Sanzan as examples. The extremely positive reaction of Swiss people to Koyasan and its pilgrimage routes left a strong impression. Not only the Swiss, but Europeans in general generally have a high level of interest in pilgrimages. I felt that this reflected the high morals and self-discipline that Japan and Europe share. Wakayama has many treasures of the Japanese people that resonate with the world, and I am proud to call it home.