HCA Nissan 2006

Macau, September 20th, 2006

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

My name is Simon Sproule and I am head of Global Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility and Investor Relations for Nissan Motor Company. I deeply regret not being able to be with you on this wonderful occasion, but with the assistance of Ms Suemori who will read my letter for me, allow me to say a word on behalf of the sponsor.

First of all, congratulations to the winner of this year’s writers’ prize, Margaret Mahy and winner of the artists’ prize, Wolf Erlbruch. You have made a tremendous and admirable contribution to the world of children’s literature. May I also congratulate the staff of IBBY who have organized and are running this event, as well as the participants and Macao as the gracious host venue.

Nissan has sponsored the Hans Christian Andersen Award since 1992, so this is our 14th year here. IBBY’s activities to promote high-quality children’s books, and thereby contribute to the healthy growth of children around the world, are invaluable.

In the spirit of Nissan’s vision, “enriching people’s lives,” and to do what we can to achieve an enriched society, our corporate citizenship activities are focused on the areas of “education,” “environment” and “humanitarian support.” One of our key activities in education is holding the NISSAN Children's Storybook and Picture Book Grand Prix, a contest that seeks outstanding children’s stories and picture books from amateur authors. Through the contest, we aim not only to encourage and nurture young authors but also to publish their works and donate them to libraries, thus helping more children to taste the joy of reading books. The Grand Prix is in its 23rd year this year, which I suppose makes it quite an important one: in Japanese, the numbers 2 and 3 read “Ni-san”!

Nissan is involved with these activities because we believe that giving children access to quality books and the chance to venture into the wonderful world of the imagination is a very precious experience for children to have. When you read a good book, it is an encounter with a worldview that is different from your own, with a world you never knew existed. Reading encourages curiosity, creativity and even sensitivity and concern for others.

We are delighted if our support of this award can help make even the smallest contribution to the dreams, imaginations and well-rounded growth of our precious children.

Long live the Hans Christian Andersen Award, and may IBBY continue to develop and expand. We have left it to the end, but may the award winners keep up their great work of writing and illustrating. And finally, enjoy the reception.

Simon Sproule

Corporate Vice President

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

www.nissan.co.jp