Mr. Tamura, Mr. Tomalin, headmaster, students of the Japanese and British schools.
Thank you for inviting me to come to see your schools.
I am delighted to see this first stage of the British school in Tokyo and congratulate you on how attractive the new classrooms are. [end p1] As you know, I am a former Minister of Education as is the Japanese Toshiki KaifuPrime Minister, so we are both very much interested in what you are achieving here.
The British school is proof of the vitality of the British community here. An example of self-help and initiative. I congratulate you on your efforts. [end p2]
It is also very important because it will encourage more British people to live and work in Japan, which is essential if we are to increase our trade and business with Japan.
I thank Mr. Tamura and his Board of Trustees for their co-operation. I hope the children of both schools will—benefit from this unique example of [end p3] co-operation between Britain and Japan.
I am sure it will provide a very high standard of education.
Good education is the foundation for everything else. We know what a very important role good education has played in Japan's remarkable success in the world, particularly in [end p4] technology and research. Great changes are going on in our education system in Britain, to ensure that we can continue to match the performance of Japan and other great industrial nations.
I hope you will always remember that education is the greatest opportunity you will receive in life. [end p5] If you you work hard and take that opportunity, then all doors will be open to you, whether you become a scientist, a doctor, an engineer or even a Prime Minister.
I have been given the privilege of opening the British school formally, which I do with great pleasure. I wish both the schools and all those who [end p6] study in them, every success for the future.