Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Japan on Children’s Day this May 5.

"On this special day, Japanese families celebrate the joys of childhood and family life. As the President noted during the recent historic visit by Prime Minister Abe to Washington, our children are delighted by the cultural offerings of both our countries – from pop music and movies to animated films and comic books. Prime Minister Abe, his wife, Akie, my wife, Teresa, and I marveled at a virtuoso violin performance by a 9-year-old during the Abe’s recent visit to our home in Boston.

"The children of Japan and the United States represent the future of our bilateral relationship, which is why we are more committed than ever to expanding academic and cultural exchanges between our young people.

"As the people of Japan take time to honor the importance of family and youth, I again offer my congratulations on this special day."