Greetings! It is an honor to be invited to the proclamation ceremony of MW Bro Khristian Albano as the newly installed Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Freemasonry truly began its activities in Japan after World War II. Before that, there were Japanese people who became Masons in other countries, but no Japanese people became Masons in a lodge within Japan. Especially after the 1920s, Japan became increasingly militaristic, restricting the free will of its citizens, who had previously enjoyed relative freedom. This era was Japan's dark age. During this dark age, the Tripartite Pact was signed between Germany, Italy, and Japan. Since Germany, at that time, was persecuting Freemasons, anti-Masonic propaganda was also spread in Japan.

After the war, the Grand Lodge of Japan was recognized, and Masons began to operate in Japan, but the influence of the pre-war propaganda has caused malice and misunderstanding toward Freemasonry among the Japanese people. I hope to correct this misunderstanding, welcome good men into Freemasonry, and work to create a world of brotherhood that is free and just, based on the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth.

The deep fraternal bonds with our brethren in the Asia-Pacific, who are united by a mystical tie, are especially important. I hope to use this visit as an opportunity to deepen our ties with your Grand Lodge. Congratulations on your installation as Grand Master!