My connection to Wakayama Prefecture goes back to my grandfather, Konosuke Matsushita, who was born there, and I have long worked to maintain this connection by being a Wakayama Prefecture Supporter, doing whatever I can in my capacity as Vice Chairman of the Kansai Economic Federation to help with the development of the region. There is also a cenotaph for Panasonic employees on the grounds of the Okuno-in (the site of Saint Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum), and I visit it each year to pay my respects.

In 1979, my grandfather, Konosuke, had an opportunity to speak with Wakayama Governor Kariya, and during their conversation my grandfather apparently told the governor that Wakayama should use tourism to set itself apart from surrounding prefectures and develop an independent identity and spirit. Given that it is surrounded by ocean on three sides and has very little flat land, people would think Wakayama ill-suited as a tourism destination; however, it has a mild climate, abundant culinary variety, is located close to an international airport and, most of all, is home to the Koyasan and Kumano World Heitage, as well as a wealth of other sightseeing resources. I want to contribute to the development of Wakayama Prefecture by helping raise awareness of these strong points among the people of Japan and people overseas.