Yoshinobu Ishikawa, Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture

Welcome to the International Skills Festival for All, Japan 2007

It is a great honor and pleasure for me to welcome participants from around the world to the 39th WorldSkills Competition and the 7th International Abilympics to be held concurrently in Shizuoka Prefecture under the name of “International Skills Festival for All, Japan 2007 (ISF2007).”

In accordance with the philosopy of Universal Design, Shizuoka Prefecture has aimed at building a “Society for All,” where everyone with and without disabilities can equally enjoy their life.
In addition, I have believed that it is important to transfer the skills and expertise of “making things” to the younger generation. This will help to revitalize domestic industry.
On this occasion, when Japan is hosting both events simultaneously for the first time in history, I am delighted that they are being held in Shizuoka, a leading prefecture in manufacturing and Universal Design..

In Japan, we are facing the “2007 Crisis,” in which many people with advanced skills are reaching retirement age without passing on their skills and experience to the next generation. Under these circumstances, the impact of ISF2007 is greatly anticipated by many people, especially in the worlds of business and industry.
We hope that the ISF2007 will spread the concepts of a “Society for All” and a society where skills are highly respected.

Beautiful nature represented by the Mt. Fuji, unique culture, delicious local food and warm hospitality await visitors from around the world here in Shizuoka Prefecture.
All of us at Shizuoka look forward to meeting everyone in November 2007.