The 1972 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts

RESPONSE of Yasuji Hanamori

It has been an immeasurable honor and pleasure for me to be given the Ramon Magsaysay Award in recognition of my humble work. Your Award has brought double satisfaction as I have felt deep reverence and fellowship towards the late President Magsaysay's achievements and personal integrity.

I am grateful to receive this Award as an Asian, as I believe many people in various parts of Asia who are working toward the same goal as mine must get encouragement from this recognition.

As for myself, to fight to defend the daily living of a great many in the grassroots was not easy and it is rewardless work. Frankly, it has been a pleasant surprise that my work has been considered for today's honor by your Board, as this is the very first instance the real significance and contribution of my work has been recognized.

Your encouragement and recognition have given me tremendous impetus and now with renewed determination and confidence I am hoping to pursue my work along with those in various parts of Asia with whom I share the same concern and aspiration.

It is the greatest regret of my life, therefore, that I cannot attend the presentation to receive your honored Award in person, because of my poor health. In a way, with the Award I am experiencing the greatest joy and the deepest sorrow in my life at the same time. And I would like to extend my deepest apologies to the Honorable Chairman and other Members of the Board and all the people who are attending the Presentation Ceremonies for my absence.

Before closing my brief address I would like to offer my boundless admiration and profound respect to your country; in the invaluable works of the Magsaysay Foundation and its most highly esteemed Awards we see the exemplification of the ideals of your people.