Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India - His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Sanae Takaichi to congratulate her on her election as Prime Minister of Japan.
“No doubt your several decades of public service will serve you well in leading Japan at this crucial point in your country’s history when the world is facing great challenges,” he wrote. “Having experienced immense suffering as a result of being attacked with nuclear weapons, Japan has steadfastly taken the lead in its efforts to establish peace in the world. It has been a forthright champion of nuclear disarmament. Especially at times like these when there is such uncertainty and upheaval in many parts of the world, it is vitally important that concerted efforts be made to resolve problems through dialogue and diplomacy.
“In addition to your personal accomplishments, I am pleased to note that in you Japan has elected its first woman prime minister. I believe that women are more compassionate and sensitive to the feelings of others, qualities I first learned from my own loving mother. There is also scientific evidence that when it comes to compassion, women are more sensitive to others’ pain. I am therefore firmly convinced that if more of our leaders were women, the world would be a more understanding, peaceful place.
“May I wish you every success in meeting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in strengthening happiness in Japan and the wider world.”
